Marjorie E. Dergel

Local broadcasting favorite Marjorie Eunice Dergel, age 80 of Dover, formerly of New Philadelphia, died peacefully Thursday afternoon in Aultman hospital following a brief illness. Born in Cleveland, O, November 15, 1924, she was the last surviving daughter of the late Charles and Ethel McCarty Schlegel. Mrs. Dergel was formerly the host of WBTC’s Dial & Speak. She began her career in broadcasting after serving as bookkeeper at the radio station. Listeners would find her radio program both engaging and informative. Her commitment to fairness and advocacy for her listeners led her to be dubbed “the Velvet Hammer” for her delicate, deliberate approach to difficult issues. Her last broadcast, on the occasion of her 80th birthday, was November 15 of this year. Prior to her career on the air, Marge graduated from New Philadelphia High School, and attended Kent State University, worked as a bookkeeper, and as manager of the cafeteria at Sacred Heart School. While away from work, she enjoyed reading mystery novels, bowling, and spending time with her family and pets. From the time her family moved to the area when she was a young lady, Marjorie was a member of Sacred Heart Church. Survivors include her husband of fifty-seven years, Frank A. Dergel Jr., of Dover, two daughters, Sherry Phillips of Lemoore, CA, and Becky (Joseph) Richards of Solon, O, four grandchildren; Jodi Lynn Moriarty, Rachel (Neil) Leaverton, Joseph Richards III, and Kathryn Elizabeth Richards, three great-grandchildren; Kealy, Kian, and Carson Moriarty, and numerous nieces and nephews. Marge’s parents and sisters, Charlotte and Betty, preceded her in death. Friends are invited to call Monday, December 27 from 3 until 6 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Monsignor George Schlegel will lead Christian wake services at 6 PM.Mass will be celebrated by Msgr. Schlegel Tuesday morning at 10:30 in Sacred Heart Church before Mrs. Dergel is laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service, the family is hosting a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. So that her love and care for animals may continue, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Tuscarawas County, P.O. Box 92, New Philadelphia OH 44663The following essay was penned by Mrs. Dergel’s granddaughter, Katie Richards, and wonderfully reflects the feelings of her entire family. The Unspoken HeroHeroes today come in many different sizes, shapes and colors. They have certain characteristics such as being larger than life, possessing incredible intelligence, and other unique qualities which place them above society. Most of these heroes are well-known or famous people. Other heroes do exist; they are the unspoken heroes of our time. They are the men that fought in wars, the fighting mother or father trying to support themselves along with their children, and people who pave a way for themselves in society when they had nothing to start from. My hero is an unspoken hero; her life was difficult, but she prevailed against all odds. Marjorie Dergel was an 80-year-old woman. Born during the depression, her early life contained no commodities. She worked as a young girl in downtown Cleveland selling peanuts on street corners. Day upon day, no matter the season, she sold them. Because of the need to work and help support her family, she was unable to graduate from high school. These setbacks didn’t keep her from what she wanted, which was a better life for her and her family. Marge’s physical characteristics also hindered her. Standing 5’5″ in a frail condition, Marge didn’t portray the normal physical traits of common heroes. She wasn’t muscular nor was she in any way, large. In fact, she had a hard time walking because of a recent hip surgery and had to watch her exercise level because of a heart condition. However, her normal physical characteristics never stood in her way of becoming the best person she could be. Because Marge was born into the depression, she lacked many of the things we take for granted. Marge lived with foster parents the first four years of her life until her parents could care for her. In addition, food was scarce and she worked for what she ate. Starting at age six, she was sent out into the streets to earn money for her family. She always held a job of some sort bringing in money anyway she could. When Marge was nearing the age of 30, she decided that she needed to continue with her education. Because Adult Education was not available at that time, she gathered her courage and began attending the local high school with her oldest daughter, later graduating from New Philadelphia High School. She was always proud to have graduated from high school with straight A’s in all of her courses and beamed with delight whenever someone asked. After that accomplishment, she truly realized the value of education. With her degree, she earned jobs in bookkeeping which lead to a surprising career in broadcasting at WBTC,. Her commitment to fairness and advocacy made her a small town celebrity. Her success remained as the years went on, and she enjoyed every minute of it. Despite her setbacks and hardships, Marge always found a way to achieve success. During the hardest times of our country, she paved a way for herself in a society dominated by men. Passing on the values of perseverance and effort, her two daughters grew up to have skilled occupations: one a teacher, and another a nurse. She fought for and gained her education, something I respect and strive to follow. Her values were always intact throughout her life as I hope mine will be as well. My grandma has always been someone I admire. In my eyes, the title of “hero” will forever be hers. As an aside, her family would like to say that she was a loving mother always ready to listen and champion their causes. She was a devoted , caring wife and doting grandmother known for roast beef dinners, trips to the park and mall, and Grandma’s toast. She was a trusted and faithful friend. Most importantly, she recognized the face of God. ###These words were shared as a eulogy read by Msgr. George C. Schelgel during Mrs. Dergel’s funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church on December 28, 2004.