Marie Ann Kleinsorge, 85, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at The Neighborhoods by Tiger Place in Columbia.
Marie was born on March 14, 1940, in Montgomery County to Irvin Cullom and Alpha Coreen (Jennings) Cullom. After graduating from high school, she moved to Columbia, where she made her home for the remainder of her life.
Marie began her career working as an insurance adjuster for several insurance agencies in Columbia before finding long-term employment with Henderson Implements, where she worked faithfully until her retirement. Never one to sit still, Marie came out of retirement to work in the kitchens of the North Callaway and Fulton School Districts. She truly loved her work there – especially cooking and caring for the children she served. She later retired for good from the school district.
Marie was a woman of many talents. She was an avid quilter and loved to sew. She also enjoyed cake decorating and baking, creating many beautiful birthday and wedding cakes for family, friends, and community members. Her creativity, generosity and love for making things by hand were hallmarks of her life.
Marie will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her love of cooking and crafting, and the quiet care she showed to those around her.
Marie is survived by her son, Kevin (Cathy) Kleinsorge of Columbia; grandchildren: Kyle (Brynn) Kleinsorge of Columbia, Macey (Steven) Cole of Calwood (Callaway County), Clayton Harrison of Columbia, Missouri and Gabe Harrison of Grand Junction; great-grandchildren: Kassidy and Kolsen Kleinsorge; one sister, Mary Virginia Gessman of Montgomery City; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Alpha Cullom; one grandson, Ryan Thompson; one daughter, Kaytina Thompson; and one brother, Paul Cullom.
Visitation and funeral services were held on Jan. 2 at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City. Reverend Hayden Gordon officiated the services. Interment was at the Bellflower Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
