Margaret M. Oestreich, age 86, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2010 at her residence. She was born in Merrill on May 28, 1923, the daughter of the late Ed
and Lydia Margaret (Donner) Trantow. Margaret married Otto Oestreich on September 11, 1948 in Merrill. He preceded her in death on April 8, 2005.
She was a 1942 graduate of
Merrill
Senior High school
and a 1947 graduate of Bellin Memorial School of Nursing in
Green Bay
. Prior to marriage, Margaret was employed as an RN at the Marshfield Clinic in
Marshfield
. She later resumed her nursing career at
Holy
Cross
Hospital
in Merrill and worked several years with the Lincoln County Visiting Nurses Agency. Margaret was a member of
Christ
United
Methodist
Church
where she was active in the
Ruth Circle
. She was a life member of the Copper Dells Homemakers Club and was very active in the Red Hatters. Margaret was a volunteer for the Merrill Food Pantry. She was an avid needle worker and did crocheter for the residents at Pine Crest Nursing Home. Margaret enjoyed spending time doing genealogy research on her family tree. Along with her husband Otto, she shared the responsibilities of farming, logging and many other business ventures. In retirement, they enjoyed extensive traveling to
British Columbia
,
Alaska
,
Germany
and
Hawaii
along with several cruises.
She is survived by 2 daughters: Lois Ramias and Janice Sieger, both of
St. Paul
,
MN
. 3 sons: Robert (Karen), Donald (Paula) and Lylas (Kathryn) all of Merrill. 12 grandchildren; Renae(Chad) Utech, Ross Oestreich, Tabitha(Bob) Edson, Robbie Oestreich, Jason Ramias, Christopher Ramias, Molly Ramias, Richard(Melissa) Oestreich, Sheila(Jordan) Schult, Jackie Oestreich, Emily Oestreich, Blake Oestreich and 2 great – grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband , Otto, 2 sons; James (twin to Janice) and Baby Edward, 2 sisters; Arcilla and Patricia and 1 brother; Norman.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at
Christ
United
Methodist
Church
. The Rev. Don Entenman will officiate. Burial will be in
Snow
Hill
Cemetery
. Friends may call from 4 PM until 8 PM Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Waid Funeral Home and on Wednesday at the church, from 9:30 AM until the hour of services.
The family requests memorials be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association. The Waid Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.
Online tributes may be made at
www.waidfuneral.com
.