Marie Jane Findlay, age 80, of Herbster, WI died Saturday, September 3, 2011 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. She was born July 13, 1931 in Cable, WI the daughter of Charles & Bernice (Kliscz) Rondeau.
She graduated from high school in Fort Dodge, IA. Marie served for four years in the USAF during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. She continued her education attending Iowa State College, UW- Eau Claire & the University of Minnesota, studying fine art & design. Marie was licensed as a real estate broker, real estate appraiser, securities broker, insurance salesperson and auctioneer.
Her first professional art work was done in the Chicago, IL area. She then worked in the business world for 25 years before returning to her first love, art. She opened the Bark Point Studio & Gallery in her home on Lake Superior in Herbster, WI. Marie was an award winning artist who worked in a wide variety of media. Her work was vibrant, colorful & unique and she truly created from her heart. Marie was a gold medal winner at the National Veterans Art Festival and her painting was displayed in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington DC. She also received numerous blue ribbon awards at art exhibits over the years. Her art has been on display in various local restaurants in the area and is in the permanent collection of the Washburn Cultural Center.
Marie was a member for 12 years and chairperson of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps Board, appointed by Gov. Thompson. She was a member of the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council, American Legion, Herbster Business Association, Bayfield, WI Chamber of Commerce, Ashland, WI Chamber of Commerce, Herbster Community Club, Former Wisconsin Realtors Association and National Association of Realtors and the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association. She was a former treasurer of the board of directors for the Washburn Cultural Center, a former Bayfield County Board member, a former Town Chairman for the Town of Clover and she had taught real estate law at WITC in Ashland, WI. Marie was very active in helping establish the Northern Great Lakes Visitor’s Center in Ashland, WI.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jack Findlay of Herbster, WI; five children, Dierck (Melinda) Oosten of Northville, MI, Scott (Margaret) Findlay of Tarpon Springs, FL, Dustin (Wendy) Oosten of Superior, WI, Jennifer (Sam) Heimlich of Minneapolis, MN & John (Michelle) Findlay of Liberty, MO; 15 grandchildren & one great-granddaughter; a brother, Charles Rondeau of Morriston, FL; other relatives & friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, James Oosten in 1969; a daughter, Charlise Oosten in 1971; a son, Joel Findlay in 2004; a sister, Florence in 2008.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, September 9, 2011 at the Herbster Community Gym in Herbster, WI. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Doug Roper will officiate. A graveside service and inurnment with military honors will follow the memorial service in the Herbster Community Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Marie’s memory to the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council and/or the Washburn Cultural Center.
The Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
