Obit: Artz, Margaret Mary (1921 - 2020)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Artz, Knapp, Welter, Stika, Schaefer, McKone, Carman, Sonksen, Crim, Green, Johnson

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 9/22/2020

Artz, Margaret Mary (28 April 1921 – 9 September 2020)

Margaret M. Artz, age 99, of La Crosse, formerly of Loyal, died on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

Margaret Mary Welter was born April 28, 1921, in Hopkinton, IA, to Herman J. and Elizabeth (Knapp) Welter. She was raised on the family farm in Sand Springs, IA, and received her education in area schools, graduating from Monticello High School in 1938. After high school, Margaret attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, IA. After completing her studies there, she worked in offices in Cedar Rapids, IA, until enlisting into the U.S. Marine Corps on January 8, 1944. She received her basic training at Camp LeJeune, NC, and then was stationed in Arlington, VA, at the Marine Corps Headquarters. Margaret worked as a File Clerk in the Quartermaster Signal Supply and then transferred to the War Plans and Statistics where she worked as a secretary. After she was honorably discharged as a sergeant on February 7, 1946, she moved to Kingsley, IA, where she worked as a secretary.

On April 25, 1949, Margaret was united in marriage to Gene Artz at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Kingsley. They farmed near Kingsley until 1959 and then moved to Loyal, where they purchased a farm. They enjoyed a long and happy life in Loyal raising their family. After retiring from the farm in 1990, they moved into Loyal. They spent several winters in Mesa, AZ. After her husband's death on March 17, 2007, she remained in Loyal until moving to La Crosse Hillview Terrace Assisted Living in 2017.

Margaret kept busy with her involvement in several organizations contributing to the community including St. Anthony's Catholic Church, its PCCW, the Loyal American Legion Auxiliary, Clark County Homemakers, and the Loyal FFA Alumni. She was a 4-H and Cub Scout Leader, taught CCD, and in 2008 she flew on the Freedom Honor Flight.

She had many interests but especially treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren at Christmas, on camping trips and in Loyal during Cornfest. Margaret had many talents that she shared with others including sewing, knitting, crocheting, canning, baking, gardening, and she loved her flowers. She also enjoyed a good glass of wine and being with her dear friends.

Margaret is survived by her children: William (Elis) Artz of Champaign, IL, Roman (Laure) Artz of La Crosse, Michael (Linda) Artz of Windermere, FL, Mary Artz of Baileys Harbor, Gerald (Lori) Artz of Chippewa Falls, and Suzanne (Terry) Stika of La Crosse; 12 grandchildren: Mary Artz, Michael (Janelle) Artz, Ana Artz, Alanna Artz, Caitlin Artz, Laura (Brad) Schaefer, David (Gwen) Schaefer, Garrick (Molly) Artz, Mitchell Artz, Hannah Artz, Dylan Stika, and Alexis Stika; 6 great-grandchildren: Tabitha and Matilda McKone, Maximilian Artz, Eleanor Carman, Sloane Schaefer, and Landon Stika; one brother: Roman Welter of Monticello, IA; one sister: Bonnie Sonksen of Carroll, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene; her stepmother: Milly A. (Crim) Welter; 3 siblings and their spouses: Herman Jr. (Veronica) and William (Monica) Welter; one sister: Helen (John) Green; and one sister-in-law: Rosemary Welter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2020, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Loyal. Rev. Leo Johnson will officiate, and a private family burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Military rites will be performed by the Loyal American Legion Post #175. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of service.