Margrye Elizabeth Bouwens

Margrye Elizabeth Bouwens, age 92, passed away on April 9, 2024 after a brief struggle with lung cancer. Born on May 1, 1931 to Thekla and Carl Mielke in Ironwood, Michigan, Margrye grew up with her two siblings, Marion (Duff) and Robert Mielke on Fisher Lake in Wisconsin, where her family ran a fishing lodge. In 1945, when she was fourteen, the family sold their fishing lodge and drove across the United States to Seattle, where they boarded a ship to Alaska. Landing in Valdez, they drove to the Matanuska Valley, where the family homesteaded along what is now the Palmer-Wasilla highway. They grew potatoes and raised chickens for meat and eggs to sell to other Valley residents. After graduating from Palmer High School, Margrye married Wayne Bouwens and together they had seven children. They lived the rest of their lives in Palmer and built a successful dairy farm on Fishhook Road.

Margrye was an exceptional wife and mother, working beside Wayne to raise their children and grow their farm. She delighted in classical music, good books, sewing, crafting and growing her garden. Many benefited from the fruits of her hands. Even in her final days Margrye was busy knitting mittens for her loved ones.

Margrye filled the lives of those around her with her care for others and love of a simple life centered on her family. She leaves behind her children; Nanette Arneson, Tom (Linda Fisch) Roger (Julie), Mary Beth Lutrick (Donnie), Katy Bethune (Mike) and Ken (Mary Beth) as well as

13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Margrye was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, son Christopher and grandchildren Jennifer Arneson and Andrew Bouwens.

A celebration of Margrye’s life will be held June 22, 2024 in Palmer.

Condolences may be sent to 2700 N Robin Lane, Palmer, AK. 99645