Marcellyn 'Marcie' Dee Clogg, 57
After living successfully with cancer for more than six years, life ended mercifully at North Valley Hospital on Sept. 11, 2007, for Whitefish resident Marcellyn "Marcie" Dee Clogg, at the age of 57.
Born and raised in rural Iowa, Marcie attended Gates Business College in Waterloo, Iowa, following her high school graduation in Greene, Iowa, in 1968. She finished a 12-month secretarial course in a record-breaking five months.
Soon thereafter, at age 18, she began her federal career with the Social Security Administration, where she remained for more than 16 years. In 1986, she transferred to the National Park Service at Glacier National Park and became secretary to Superintendent Gil Lusk. She often described those next four years as the absolute best and happiest in her life.
In 1990, she accepted a promotion in the Alaska Region of the National Park Service and over the next five years was privileged to be the executive secretary to three different regional directors.
She and her family lived in Anchorage until 1995, when she became eligible for early retirement after 25 years of federal service at age 45.
Between 1995 and 2001, Marcie, husband, Steve, and son, Jamie, lived in Wisconsin, Georgia and Alabama, before returning and making Whitefish their permanent home.
It was in Alaska that she was introduced to the world of dog mushing and the world famous Iditarod dog sled race. She treasured the years of involvement in the sport and remained active as a recreational musher until recently.
In her single years, Marcie's first love was her flute, and her accomplishments were many, performing for hundreds and thousands, and playing everything from classical music to jam sessions with Vegas bands and recording artists in Nashville.
In recent years, her passion became the source of many wonderful stories and jokes. Known as the "Dumpster Diva," Marcie showed no shame when it came to retrieving others' throwaways from Dumpsters, sorting through it, and re-donating it to needy organizations and individuals. Over the years, she literally processed tons of clothing and household goods all by herself and helped fulfill unknown numbers of peoples' special needs. She often scolded those who threw away their unwanted items instead of donating them, and labeled them as just plain lazy.
Marcie was a diehard Bulldog basketball fan which culminated with Whitefish winning the Class A NW regional this last winter with her son as starting post and receiving all-tournament honors.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert L. Curtis.
Survivors include very best friend and treasured husband of 23 years, Steve; 18-year-old son, Jamie; stepdaughter, Josalyn Nordenstrom and her son, AJ, of Minnesota; her mother, Phyllis M. Curtis of Columbia Falls; sister, Sandy Curtis, of Minnesota; nieces, Kristen and Kim Hesalroad, of New Mexico and Texas, respectively; and numerous aunts and cousins.
Also considered as family left behind are Pam Barker and Craig Conklin, formerly of Whitefish, currently of British Columbia, and their original team of Siberian huskies, the Nite Flite Kennel, Knik, Kaltag, Kiana, Koyuk, Kinley, Kash and Kavik, and their many kennel mates.
Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers or monetary donations, Marcie hoped friends would instead volunteer a bit of time occasionally to an ailing one by taking their dog for a walk. Pets are victims of their owner's diseases as well and are often forced into an unhappy, inactive lifestyle.
A brief memorial service is scheduled at 3 p.m. on Sept. 15, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Whitefish on U.S. 93 North. In memory of Marcie's love of bold, bright colors, feel free to wear something colorful. A social gathering will follow the memorial service about 4 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge. Friends are encouraged to attend either or both of the events and join the family in the recovery process.
Cards may be sent to 155 Mallard Loop, Whitefish, MT 59937.