Marie "GM, Grandma Marie" Esther (Maedke) Etzel passed away at the Israel Hospice House on November 26, 2018, in Ames. A memorial service be 6 p.m. Friday, November 30th at Rasmusson-Bacon Funeral Home at 1418 Fawcett Pkwy, Nevada, IA 50201. Pastor Myron Herzberg will officiate the ceremony. Immediately following the service, please join us at the residence of Lisa & Larry in Nevada (directions to be provided) to toast to Marie and share memories/stories. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marie's life. Marie was born on August 17th, 1936 in Algoma, WI. She graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1954 and worked for many years for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She raised three children and passed along her wit and wisdom to them. She loved to tend to her flower gardens, her dogs and cats, and enjoyed the leisure of being retired. She was a strong woman and had a passion for animal rights, veterans, and other charities for those in need. Marie is survived by her children: Todd Etzel (Kathy) of Azusa, CA and Lisa Etzel (Larry) of Nevada, IA; her sister Ruth Williquette of Green Bay, WI; her grandchildren: Leanne Schulz of Ames, IA, Adam Maedke of Alpharetta, GA (and his mother, Deborah Maedke), Doug Hopkins of Swannanoa, NC, James Beecher (and family) of Shoreview, MN and Jason Beecher (and family) of San Gabriel, CA; her daughter-in-law Pam Hauser; her nephew Scott Maedke (Melissa). She is preceded in death by her father Howard Maedke; her mother Dorothy (Griffin) Maedke; her son Bruce Maedke; her brother John Maedke; her brother-in-law Clayton Williquette; and her niece Rinnie Hopkins. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite animal rescue organization. Online condolences can be sent to www.rasmussonfh.com. The family would like to thank all the compassionate caregivers at Mary Greeley Medical Center and the Israel Hospice House for their efforts. Rasmusson-Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements.