Marie Louise Wegener Roberts

“For I trust you in your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5‐6

If you asked Marie how she was doing, she would usually simply reply, “Blessed.” In the next few minutes she would know your name, if you were married, how many children you had, what were their names, where did you live, etc. etc. etc. She loved everyone she met and would always take the time to know something about you before you parted. The love that poured out of her was returned tenfold, because if you knew her, you couldn’t help but love her.

Marie Louise Wegener Roberts of Lake Charles, La. was raised to meet her Savior on August 4, 2019 at Christus St. Patrick Hospital at 7:20 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 9, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church.  Pastor Charles Miller will officiate.  Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin in the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue in the church on Friday beginning at 9:00 AM until the start of the service.

Born on February 6, 1934, in Lake Charles, La, she was the eighth child of Reverend & Mrs. Theodore August Henry Wegener. Her childhood years growing up were spent in the parsonage at St. John Lutheran Church, at that time located at 521 Ford Street, the site until recently of the old Grace Mission. She attended Second Ward School, Central School and graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1951. Marie was a member of the marching Kilties ensemble from 1949‐1951 and served as one of three colonels from 1950‐1951.

On September 6, 1952, Marie married William Michalko of Blackduck, Minnesota. They moved to St. Paul, MN in the fall of 1953 and then to Minot, North Dakota in 1960 after William’s job transfer. Together they had three children. Anna Elizabeth (David) Johnson of McKinney, TX, Paul William (Paula) Michalko of Lake Charles, La, and Edward Ray (Penny) Michalko of Orange, TX. Following William’s death in 1963, Marie moved her family in August of 1964 to make a home back in Lake Charles. For the last part of 1964 and early 1965, Marie worked part time at St. John Lutheran Church, then located at Fifth and Enterprise Boulevard, and Insurance Unlimited, a new and upcoming insurance agency. On March 15, 1965, she was employed full time at Insurance Unlimited where she loyally served 38 years as office manager and commercial lines manager until her retirement in May of 2003.

On August 9, 1975, Marie married John Roberts of Lake Charles. They were married for nearly 30 years before John’s death on March 24, 2005. Those were good years spent fishing locally and traveling to Toledo Bend to camp and fish. They also enjoyed traveling to the Texas Hill country, Arkansas and north Louisiana in their camper, then later to various bed and breakfast locales. August 9th would have been their 44th anniversary.

Marie loved her church life at St. John Lutheran, where her father was pastor for 46 years, and was often one of the last to be seated before services began. She enjoyed visiting with anyone and everyone. She was ever present in the second pew just off to the left of the pulpit. Lutherans typically have their own “reserved” seat for services! She was active in church her entire life and offered her time and talents for anything she could. Marie enjoyed her time participating in Ladies’ Aid, Bible studies and prayer groups.

She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, religiously remembering each birthday with a card and best wishes.

In addition to her children, Marie is survived by two step children, John Emory (Jennifer) Roberts of Phoenix, AZ and Linda Roberts (Roy) Stuart of Friendswood, TX ; “adopted” son #3, Robert Anderson of Lake Charles; two sisters, Esther Hilda Pearl Eyberg of Burnsville, MN, and Barbara Ruth Hellman of Albert Lea, MN; three brothers, “Gitch” Gottfried John (Gloria) Wegener, Albert Herman (Edna) Wegener, both of Lake Charles, and John Amerland (Beth) Wegener of Zwolle, La.; 14 grandchildren, Greg (Liz) Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Faye Pousson, Becky (Beau) Fontenot, Boyd (Jill) Pousson, Emily (Casey) Byrd, Brett Pousson and fiancé Katelyn Young, Mandy Michalko, Marcie (Boyd) Bradley, Justin Roberts, Joshua Parks, Dylan Parks, Holly (James) Porter, Daniel Stuart, Ashley (Nik) Bandura, Paul (Mary) Stuart, Tommy Stuart, 21 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Adeline Simon; two brothers, Theodore Wegener and Lawrence Wegener; one grandchild, John Roberts Jr.; and in laws Annabelle Wegener, Ellen Wegener, Victor Hellman, Eddie Simon and Stan Eyberg.

The family loved her dearly and wishes to thank the Critical Care Unit of Christus St. Patrick Hospital, especially Donna Vanchiere, Palliative Care Coordinator, for her compassion and support during this difficult time. We are also grateful to Heart of Hospice for their kindness and guidance in Marie’s final hours.  Finally, we would like to express our appreciation to Becky See and staff at Villa Maria for their prayers and generosity. Marie liked living there, but she loves her new place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles.