Margaret Dremsa

Margaret M. Dremsa Pettera, 91,  Boscobel, died on Tuesday July 26, 2016 at Crossing Rivers Health Systems in Prairie du Chien surrounded by her family.  

She was born on June 10, 1925 in Seneca, the daughter of William and Mary (Cull) Crowley.  She married Fred M. Dremsa on November 10, 1942 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Boscobel. He preceded her in death on December 4, 1978.

She then married Matt Pettera on June 7,1986 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wauzeka. He preceded her in death on Decmeber 22, 2006.  

Margaret grew up in a family of 6, losing her father when she was 5 years old. Her mother maintained a farm while raising the children.  Margaret’s strong faith, work ethic and family values were instilled during these years and were carried with her until her death.

Margaret and Fred began their married life on a farm in Marietta Valley where she remained until the day she died. She was passionate about farming and instilling love of the land along with teaching her children about the joys and benefits of beginning each day with God; her faith laid the foundation for her family.  You never saw Margaret without a rosary in her possession. Margaret was so proud to learn to make cord rosaries and spent many hours making them in many beautiful colors, and making sure everyone of her offspring had one. She was willing to go the extra mile to help others and fought hard for what she believed in.  She was an advocate for the under-privileged and disabled, pro-life and her Catholic faith.  She was active with many years of service to the National Farmers Organization, Marietta Town Board, Legion Auxiliary, Alter Society and being a Shaklee distributor.  Margaret was an editor in her own right, sharing her writing talents in the Boscobel Dial along with farming journals. She had a love for travelling.  Margaret, along with her husband Fred and then later, Matt travelled many miles around the country.  She loved music and to dance and spent many Sunday evenings going to dances.  She loved to fish and cherished the trout from the creek running through her farm.  She was known for her baking which she enjoyed sharing with whoever visited her home.  You never came to visit Margaret without her greeting you with open arms and her infectious smile. You could count on being offered a cup of coffee and some baked goods.  In her younger years she always had a very large garden, canning and preserving food for her family was a joy to her.   Margaret loved her family and was very proud of all of them.  She always made the effort to attend the many birthday parties, baptisms, graduations, sporting events, weddings or other outings, even if she wasn’t feeling well.  Margaret insisted on having the family gatherings in her home until the past few years when it became too much of a challenge. She loved sitting around the family bonfires sharing stories and laughter. Her family continued to carry on the tradition of fall wood- cutting bees so Margaret could keep the home fires burning in her treasured wood burning stove which she maintained until last winter.

Margaret will be sorely missed by her family and many friends. Marietta Valley has lost a legend.

She is survived by her children, Donald (Norma) Dremsa, Arundel, Maine, Rosemary (Dale) Hall, Steuben, Peggy (Stan) Updike, Boscobel, Doug (Kilsa) Dremsa, Boscobel, Theresa (Robert) Brewer, Boscobel, Joseph (Machelle) Dremsa, Boscobel, Lori (Gary) Hines, Boscobel, David (Tammy) Dremsa, Waukesha, Daniel Dremsa, Boscobel, Catherine (John) Sherman, Birmingham Asl., Michael (Cheri) Dremsa, Boscobel, and Mary (Paul) Muenzenberger, Holmen; 54 grandchildren; 80 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Stuckey and Patricia Coorough, both of Prairie du Chien.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Fred Jr.; two grandchildren, Jaden Dremsa, and  Darcia M. Hall; two sisters; and two brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday August 1, 2016 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Boscobel. Father Garrett Kau officiated. Burial was in the Boscobel Cemetery.  

The Kendall Funeral Service in Boscobel is assisted the family.  

Online condolence can be sent to www.kendallfuneralservice.com

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