Ensuring healthcare for all who need it has always been top of mind for 105-year-old Marge Jothen. It is what compelled her to enter the nursing profession, serve in World War II, and act as a caregiver for her mother. It is also what has motivated her as a long-time donor and volunteer at Luther Manor.
A Trailblazer for Women in the U.S. Military
Marge got her start as a nurse shortly after the United States entered World War II. At that time, nurses — all female — were not yet officially considered part of the military. However, after serving for a year, this changed. Marge and her fellow nurses became the first females officially recognized by the U.S. military. Marge was named a Second Lieutenant and later promoted to First Lieutenant.
It was around this time that she moved from assisting on basic health procedures like the removal of appendixes and working in a dental clinic to treating war wounds.
“We were so glad to be working finally at what we had been told we were hired for,” Marge said.
At this point Marge was stationed in New Guinea, where the 32nd Infantry Division, Wisconsin National Guard was charged with clearing the jungles of the Japanese. Because the American submarines had blown up many of the transports, the soldiers had no way to leave the island and were told they would need to fight to the last man, according to Dave Myers, president of Luther Manor Vets Club. Marge treated many of the wounded.
In addition to the battle wounds she treated, Marge and the other nurses encountered “beastly hot” weather that kept them up at night, rats that crawled into their tents, and disease from the mosquitoes, including dengue fever which Marge contracted.
“You had to adjust to whatever you were assigned to,” Marge said.
Following her service in New Guinea, the army sent Marge to the Philippines. Because of the active fighting, Marge traveled on a small ship under the cover of night. She continued working as a surgical nurse, treating injured soldiers at a remote, makeshift hospital. Marge and the other nurses discovered that the hospital had previously been used by the Japanese as a shelter for their horses when they discovered horseshoes in the dirt floor.
While there, she had the opportunity to meet a VIP — the wife of General MacArthur. Jean MacArthur had come through the hospital to visit patients and thank the military personnel.
“I was in the middle of doing dressings. Your hands are exposed to various things and she (Jean MacArthur) had her gloves on, and she extended her hand. So I did shake her hand, which I probably shouldn’t have,” Marge laughed.
A Long-Time Professional Caregiver
When Marge returned to the U.S. following the war, she continued serving in the Reserves for 19 years. She also continued her lifelong vocation of providing care to those who needed it most. This included caring for her mother following a surgery.
Later, she spent 30 years with the Milwaukee Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), which provided healthcare in private homes. Marge was given the opportunity to advance within the VNA, and at the end of her stint served as the association’s director.
The VNA was later taken over by hospitals in most communities.
“It’s gone now, and that’s such a shame because nationwide we had communities that were taking care of people,” Marge said.
Marge’s other roles included providing care as a hospital nurse and working with the Madison VNA. She completed her 40 years of nursing at the Division for Handicapped Children where she served as the Nursing Director.
A Committed Supporter of Luther Manor Foundation
A Luther Manor resident since1995, Marge has both received care and provided it. When Marge moved into The Terrace (independent living) she had just recovered from stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. If the cancer returned, she wanted to be sure that she lived in a place where she could receive care.
Because of her professional and life experiences, Marge knew that not all families are equipped to care for sick family members. In Marge’s case, her siblings and parents had passed away, so she did not have immediate family members to rely on for care. In many other cases, family members are not suited for providing care.
“All people have needs and how they’re going to be answered depends a lot on their family. Some families can’t do that at all. That’s not in their capabilities. A lot of people just aren’t made for that,” Marge said.
It is why she gives generously to Luther Manor Foundation.
Marge consistently donates to the foundation’s resident support fund, which helps those who not only need care but also cannot afford it. She has given as a volunteer, too, playing the organ at church and spending time with dying residents before hospice services were offered.
“We would just sit with the dying and would offer whatever seemed important for them … .Some said they liked music and so we’d either sing to them or play records or just sit and hold their hands. It was a very meaningful experience,” Marge said.
Her cancer never returned, but in 2024 Marge did encounter other health issues and moved to The Courtyards (assisted living). At 105 years old, she still recounts the many details of her remarkable life.
And she continues her strong support of Luther Manor Foundation. We asked Marge why she prioritizes the foundation when there are so many other places that she could give.
“Well, because I experienced the need. I experienced it from several points of view. From the outside and then from the inside where I had experienced it myself and knew that it’s very important, especially if you don’t have family. Or if your family is unable to do what’s necessary,” Marge said.