Magdalene Beatrice Machalk

Magdalene (Mag) B. Machalk (Thoune), a longtime resident of Daggett, MI currently of Little Chute, WI, age 102, died peacefully surrounded by family, on September 28, 2021.  Beloved Mom, Grandma, Aunt and Sister. She was born in Belgiumtown, MI on November 15, 1918 to Josie & Peter Thoune.  She was the oldest of ten children.  Mag worked in Winnetka, Illinois after high school graduation at Stephenson High School.  She then came home to help her parents who owned Belgiumtown Bar & Dance Hall.  Mag met Louis Machalk at a Belgiumtown dance and they married June 27, 1942. 

Mag & Lou owned the Machalk Clothing Store in Daggett, MI from 1947 to 1964. Mag & Lou were married 74.5 years when Lou passed away in 2017.  Mag is survived by their three children:  Jim of Little Chute, Jan (Larry) of Kaukauna, Peter of Appleton; grandchildren: Scott (Nancy), Mary (Eric), Brian (Terri), Jodi (Pete), Randy (Annette), Jeri Lynn (Jeff), Dan (Julie), Jill (Daniel), Niki, Jordan and Kevin (Michelle); 21 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; and a brother Alvin Thoune and sister Doris Laurin.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

In addition to her parents and Lou, Mag was preceded in death by her siblings:  Emanuel (Hank), Bob (Ernie), Glen (Theresa), Margie (Don), Joyce “Doot” (Sonny), Clyde and Peter Jr. “Chum” (Shirley); and brother and sister-in-law’s:  Jim Laurin, Shirley Thoune, Joe (Evelyn) Machalk, Ivan (Jeanette) Machalk, Steve (Ada) Machalk, Barb Machalk, Ann French, Marian (Al) Hallberg, and Millie Machalk.

Mag enjoyed bird watching and especially loved the cardinals, orioles and gold finches.  She was an avid reader and read enough books to fill a library.  She loved the series, A to Z, so will have to finish the series with the author up in heaven.  She loved doing crosswords and the word search puzzles with a hidden message.  She enjoyed playing pinochle and other card games with family but did not follow the rule that there is no family in cards, often giving someone their needed card.  Mag made many quilts and clothing.  She was an amazing cook, baker and loved her brandy old fashions.  One could easily gain ten pounds in just one visit.  She was an adventurous eater and would try any new cuisine. She made each person feel special.  Mag and Lou were our family anchors.  Machalk Christmas will forever be celebrated on December 26th. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton, WI.  The Service will be at Noon with a luncheon to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Wounded Warrior Project.    

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