Margaret Elaine Wahl Gruenenfelder

Margaret Elaine Wahl Gruenenfelder, age 84 of Blanchardville daughter of Palmer and Monica Daly Wahl, died Monday January 10, 2011 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital surrounded by her family. Margaret was born November 21, 1926 on a farm in Blanchard Township. She attended Blanchardville Public Schools all but two years that were spent at Einerson Rural School and graduated from the Blanchardville High School in 1944. On May 23, 1944 she and Henry were married at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in rural Mt. Horeb. Eight children were born to this union, four sons and four daughters, fulfilling her desire for a large family. She helped Henry on the farm for sixteen years, plus being active in the Ingwell-Watrud Mothers Club, Hillside Homemakers, taught grade and high school religion classes, member of the Blanchardville Garden club for many years. Also, Pecatonica VFW Auxiliary and Dobson-Johnson American Legion Auxiliary. She was very proud of being just short of her 10 gallon pin for donation blood. She had a terrific Irish wit and her ability to remember names, dates and history was enviable. She faced and conquered many hardships in her life including her father dying when she as 9 years old, a brain abscess at age 39 causing paralysis and numerous operations but still kept a positive and bright outlook on life. She loved to sew, bake, can, read, work puzzles, grow house plants, have coffee and visit with family and friends. And, her family was her greatest joy. Survivors include her husband, Henry, children Marilyn (Lee) Fahrney, Hollandale, Paul Gruenenfelder, Anita Kammerer, Brodhead, Allen Gruenenfelder, Gary (Murt) Gruenenfelder, Patricia Hendrickson, Mark (Kelly) Gruenenfelder, and Ann (Denny) Marty all of Blanchardville, 26 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Sisters, Marie (Bill) Rieder and Mary (Gene) Hendrickson, Blanchardville and brother, Mark (Charlotte)Wahl of Kileen, Texas. Sister-in-laws Donna Wahl, Monticello, Hedy Wahl, Blanchardville, Henry's five sisters and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was proceeded in death by parents, Palmer, 1937 and Monica, 1962, brothers Myron, 1990 and Maurice Wahl in 2009, daughter-in-law, Glady, 2000 and grandson, Jamie (Mike) 1996 and sister and brother in laws. A visitation will be held Thursday evening, January 13, 2011 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. A rosary will be said following visitation. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 14, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the church. Fr. Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family.