Margaret “Margie” Jean Simpson Selburg 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025, surrounded by family, after spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Born on March 29, 1949, in Mason, MI, Margie grew up with a spirit of creativity, kindness, and community that guided her throughout her life. She graduated with the Henry High School Class of 1967–proudly carrying the “Rumble Beat” in her heart–and later earned a degree in Early Childhood Development from Illinois Central College. She lived in Peru, IN; Henry, Chicago, and Peoria, IL. Margie was a devoted member of First Federated Church of Peoria, where she formed lasting friendships and strengthened her deep faith. Most recently, she attended First Presbyterian Church of Morrison, IL.
Margie dedicated her life to nurturing both children and community. She taught at First Federated Church Preschool, where she brought stories to life in the Bo Peep and Jack & Jill classrooms. As a teacher, she was sought out by families for the monumental art she brought out of preschool students. Beyond the classroom, she served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Group leader, PTA President, and ever-enthusiastic neighborhood Party Coordinator. Her gift for bringing people together was matched only by the joy she found in serving others.
A woman of many talents, Margie was a gardener, artist, photographer, and writer. Everything she touched carried a touch of magic, especially her gardens–peaceful havens for faeries hidden from the busy world. She found beauty everywhere and shared it generously with family and friends. Margie loved the outdoors, whether by a lake, meadow, mountain, or forest, and she especially cherished hiking the trails at Forest Park Nature Center. She had a special love for animals, often adopting neighborhood cats and creating a safe refuge for wild kittens. Her interests were wide-ranging–traveling, cooking, baking–but her greatest joy came from time with her family. She treasured her grandchildren, delighting in weaving long, mystical stories, creating artwork, working puzzles, and playing together. She also loved watching them shine in their activities, from Swim meets and concerts, to Soccer, Baseball, and Cross-Country.
Above all, Margie cherished her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her warmth, laughter, creativity, and compassion touched every life she encountered, and her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who knew her. She always had a positive outlook, enjoying life through her last sunset.
She recently wrote, “The bright moon woke me up early this morning. I felt hot, so I opened the window to hear the locust and crickets singing and birds chatting to one another. What are they saying? Wake up world, see the beauty and hear our music. God is singing with us and wishes you to know love and hope and peace. He wants you to listen carefully. He wants you to know him. It’s a new beginning. Wake up and start over, for this day has never been. Listen beyond the noise and feel the calm that only God brings.”
Margie has left behind a large and loving family, including her husband of 55 years, Kenneth Selburg, whom she married in 1970. She is survived by her children and spouses, Kara and Frank (Mit) Mitvalsky, Michael and Katie Selburg, and John and Ashlee Selburg. She was the proud grandmother of Sam, Noah, and Jacob Mitvalsky, Henry and George Selburg, and Kaius and Zephyr Selburg.
Margie’s joy extended to her many siblings: Debbie and Tim Moritz, Bill and Joyce Simpson, Barb and Al Marti, Mary Anne and David Logan, Tim and Vicki Simpson, and Roger Selburg. She also cherished her many nieces and nephews: Kate Carlson McColley (Evan), Beth Carlson Hughes (Andy, Jonah, Wyatt), Ben Carlson, Kathy Simpson Ramirez (Tracey, Tori), Diane Simpson Brown (Jon, Camden, Quinten), Laura Marti Devaney (Gary, Tessa, Aiden), Nancy Marti Otto (Chris, Alan, Charlie), Jennie Logan Weber (John, Alec, Gretchen), Steve Logan (Melinda, Trista, Ryan, Becca), Stacy Simpson (Chad, Ally Rae, Drew, Ryan), Case Simpson (Khyleian, Emma, Beau), Kris Selburg Ruebling (Patrick, Ashley, Leia, Adele), Eric Selburg (Nicole, Sydney, Greyson), and Matt Selburg.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Berniece (Smith) Simpson; parents-in-law, Bob and Marian (Draksler) Selburg; brother-in-law, Ted Carlson; sister-in-law, Tory Selburg.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Morrison, 100 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.
Her Memorial Service will follow at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Michael Selburg presiding.
A luncheon will be held at the conclusion of the service.
The Morrison Chapel of Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family through Ken Selburg, who will distribute them to the missions that were dear to Margie’s heart.