Margaret T. Ertz, 71 of Onalaska, passed peacefully away May 24, 2024. Her children and other family members and friends had kept vigil at her bedside from the time of her experiencing an unexpected and untreatable subarachnoid hemorrhage just 3 days earlier.
Margaret’s heart of caring for other people led her to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Rochester, MN, after completing her nursing studies. As a working, single mom, she studied for her bachelor’s degree and graduated “cum laude” with a 3.6 GPA from Viterbo University with a major in Personnel Management and a minor in Psychology. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree. Three months after graduation, she began her career at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, as a Corporate Management Engineer, and then moved into the Corporate Research and Development where she earned many commendations.
Margaret was a Fellow of the Hospital Management Systems Society of America. In addition she volunteered in the following associations:
La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce (Membership Committee),
American Heart Association (Top Volunteer Fund Raiser)
American Cancer Society (Volunteer Fund Raiser)
Children’s Miracle Network (Campaign Volunteer)
Margaret was a romantic at heart. Her favorite song was, “I Love How You Love Me,” by John Michael Montgomery. Traveling and camping with family and friends, visiting around the campfire, organizing home parties (Mary Kay Cosmetics and Home Interiors), puzzling, and volunteering at her retirement community activities were her favorite pastimes. In her later years, her dogs, Gabby, Gracie and Prancer, were her constant companions, and she made friends wherever she walked her dogs. People who knew Margaret say she always signed her greeting cards “Love and hugs, Margaret…”
She is survived by her children, son, Matthew Davis of La Crescent, MN; step-daughter Sara Becker and husband, Scott, of West Salem, their sons, Nicholas and Nathan, their daughter, Kelcey, with husband, Dwight Schomberg, and daughter, Millie (Margaret’s step-granddaughter); step-daughter, Joy Paul of Eau Claire, and her children, Emily Sylte and Ryan Paul (Margaret’s step-grandchildren), step-son, Ryan Ertz, spouse Pam, and step-granddaughters, Caitlyn, Paige and Emma, of Rockton, IL; step-daughter, Corinne Ertz and husband, Scott Persons, and step-granddaughters Celia and Adeline, of Minneapolis, MN; and step-daughter, Anne Ertz, of Austin, TX. Margaret’s surviving siblings include sister, Barbara Branch, brothers, Marty Branch, Paul Branch, Joe Branch, brother-in-law, Leonard Krueger, their children and grandchildren and many other beloved relatives and friends. She is also survived by the special friend who later introduced her to her husband, Jim Ertz, who through circumstances and friendship also were like family to Margaret for the past 30 years, Barbara Pulfrey, and her husband, Charley Pulfrey. Margaret describes them in own words in her autobiography, “Another unique relationship has evolved over time. The mom and stepdad of my two stepdaughters, Sara and Joy, have become “family” as well. We all live close enough to maintain contact in some form on a regular basis. We share each others triumphs and tragedies, and continually celebrate the twist of fate that occurred as a result of our failed marriages to the same man and the bond we developed through caring for each others children. Indirectly my son and I have been given the best gift of family we could ever want to have.”
Margaret is predeceased in death by her husband, Jim Ertz, her parents, Frank and Lucienne Branch, and her older sister, Mary (Branch) Krueger, whom she was looking forward to reuniting with in heaven, and with whom are now together with the LORD.
Memorial Gathering / Celebration of Life with family and friends is scheduled at 11:30am on Thursday, July 18, with visitation starting at 10:30am, at “The Gathering Place / Coulee Region Cremation, in Onalaska, MW.
To honor Margaret and her life of love and courage and dedication, in lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to a charity close to your heart.
Even though we lived far away, Aunt Margaret was always so kind to my family and she even traveled quite a distance to attend my wedding. I am thinking and praying for Matt and her friends and family who are especially grieving her loss. May they know the peace and comfort of our Heavenly Father.
Our friendship was brief and valued. Her kind heart will be long remembered as well as her beloved Gabby.
Richard and Valerie
Our condolences to your family. We lived in Englewood,FL and got to know Margaret well. She was friends with my sister Karen & brother Keith. She was so kind and and always willing to help where she could. Rest in peace Margaret. ♥️
Our sincere condolences to Margaret’s friends and family. We always enjoyed seeing Margaret walking her dogs around the park. She would always speak and was friendly with everyone. I’m glad I was able to help Margaret navigate her insurance benefits etc. after Ian. Rest in peace
Aunt Marge always gave us a warm welcome whenever we’d see her. I fondly remember her pampering her dogs throughout the years.
So many years ago Margaret was a dear friend. Raising Matt and earning a degree kept her busy but she was incredibly focused and determined. She was great fun golfing, fishing, and once—mushroom hunting. My condolences to her family and friends.
Thank you for the condolences that have been posted already for my sister, Margaret, and thank you in advance for those post a condolence in the future. Margaret was a sister and friend who I will miss greatly. I met many of you, her friends and family, either at gatherings or just walking around her neighborhood. Thank you for remembering her kindness and friendship.
Margaret was my sister in law and she was always sweet and kind and loving and generous. She never ever said an unkind thing to me. I always thought of the future and that I would have more time to have a closer relationship with her, but her sudden death took away that opportunity. I will miss her very much.
Rest in Peace cousin
I’m very sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. I did meet her while she was out with her dogs. I was riding with mine on my golf cart. She always invited me to join her. I enjoyed her company. I was sad to see her leave florida but I’m sure it was best for her. May you have the Lords comfort
Margaret was my aunt by marriage to my Uncle Jim Ertz. I enjoyed getting to know her over the years and when visiting my mother, Eileen Ertz Loomis in Englewood, a visit to Margaret was always on the list. RIP sweet lady.
Margret was the first person to introduce herself to us when we moved next door to her in Englewood Florida. She was the most giving and loving person I’ve ever met. She was my rock in helping me cope with being away from my kids in Michigan and a fellow Yorkie mom for our yorkies and hers to have companions We were travel companions, card and game companions but most of all became sisters in our hearts together. She was always there for me in anyway possible. My heart is broken that you left this world too soon. I will always hold you close in my heart and mind and will forever be thankful that you and I were like family. Thank you for many blessings you gave me unconditionally and with love. Knowing you are at peace now helps me cope with you being gone. Tell my yorkies in heaven I miss and love them . And now you and Gracie, Gabie, and Prancer can be with them. I will see you again and we will rejoice and sing in heaven. Love always Lyn.❤️
I will always remember the good times we use to have playing games and going on small adventures.
Margaret was a very giving person and passionate about the people and things she enjoyed.
I enjoyed the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, shopping, singing, lunches and working at Edgewater Club activities with Margaret.
You will be missed. May God bless you and keep you in his care.
Sincere Sympathy!