Margaret H. Fose

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SUN PRAIRIE - Margaret H. Fose, age 100, died April 27, 2024 at All Saints Assisted Living in Madison. She was born July 31, 1923 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Joseph Horkey and Helene Eggers Horkey. Margaret attended Sherman School in Eau Claire County and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Eau Claire in 1941. She then attended Eau Claire Vocational School. In March of 1942 she began employment at the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Personnel in the State Capitol. In 1946 Margaret accepted a position as membership secretary at the UW Memorial Union. She married Dale Fose on August 28, 1948 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Madison. When their first son was born in 1949, Margaret began her career as a stay-at-home mom until 1979 when she returned to work at the UW Memorial Union Director’s Office. She retired in 1988. She and Dale had been Sun Prairie residents since 1971. 

She is survived by her sons Steve (Linda), Maumelle, Arkansas; Gary (Laurie), Woodbury, MN; Jim (Janet), Bear, Delaware; Dan (Mary), Madison; Mike (Carey). Middleton; daughter Teresa Welscher (Bill), Maple Grove, MN; 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. She is further survived by her sister, Marie Thompson, San Benito, TX and sister-in-law Rita Bisbee Fose, McFarland. She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, infant son Robert Charles Fose, sisters Virginia Clemmer and Bernice Sandberg, brothers-in-law Duane Fose and Robert Collins, sister-in-law Rita Fose Collins, granddaughter Megan Fose and triplet great-grandchildren Caroline, Jacob and Mason Fose. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 4, 2024 at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 221 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 AM until time of service. Private burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Madison.

After retirement, Margaret and Dale traveled extensively, never letting any grass grow under their feet. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage until his death in 2014. She loved playing bridge and sewing, making most of her clothes in her later years. But most of all she loved her family, setting a great example of integrity, humility, determination, hard work and resilience. Her 100th birthday party last summer was attended by every one of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (and respective spouses) from all over the country (65 total). 

Her impact was beautifully expressed by granddaughter Jacqui: “My heart breaks today. Our family lost its greatest member. She was 100 years young (nearly 101). She was as sharp as a tack, the most emotionally level person I’ll ever know, and walked so fast through the grocery store you felt like you were on Supermarket Sweep. She loved the stock market, watching the news, and talking to her family through phone or text. She was a talented seamstress and cook, and a devoted Catholic. She raised 6 kids that all grew into the amazing and loving parents of her 15 grandchildren; and those grandchildren blessed her with 27 [& counting] great-grandchildren - all of which she adored. I will miss her smile, her knowledge, her conversation, sending her pictures of flowers and texting. She was ready to leave this earth and live in eternity with Dale. I am sad for all of us to have lost her, but my heart is also happy knowing that all who had passed before her are now surrounding her in God’s light. We love you Grandma.” 

Memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 and Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church. 

Please share your memories of Margaret by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054