Margaret "Margie" Mary Krause (née Koehler) of Gresham, went home to be with the Lord on September 20, 2024, after a year-long battle with cancer. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin on Mother's Day in 1953, Margie was named after her mom. On November 9, 1972, she married Arthur Krause, and together they built a beautiful life. While most of their time was spent in Wisconsin, they also made homes in Ohio, Florida, and even a brief stint in Australia. Margie and Art shared laughter, music, travel, joy, and a lifetime of memories with their beloved family.

An incredible typist and a whiz on the switchboard, Margie's talents were valued at various jobs throughout her life. She shared many treasured friendships in her workplaces, especially the "Mobile Meals Girls" in Ohio. Margie served her community in numerous roles, including teaching catechism and working the polls on election days as Chief Inspector. She loved to chitchat, and shared countless hours of enjoyment talking with her dear friend, Brenda, over their 30+ years of friendship.

Margie found great happiness in showing her love through gifts; the most treasured being a wide variety of hand-crafted items from painted boxes, to cement bird baths, to snuggly quilts. She had an unwavering policy of giving "something to open," even when the primary gift was money.

Though she would disagree if anyone said it, she had a lovely singing voice and great pitch. Margie was always singing, even when she was sick or in pain. She had an unmatched ability to create a new tune or parody to fit any situation. Her husband, kids, and grandkids have all embraced that gift, and are proud to carry it on. Margie's annual calls with her version of the "Betty Bunny Birthday Day" song will be sorely missed.

Family was the most important thing to Margie. She always aimed to keep in touch with close and extended family alike, and shared an extra special connection with her sister, Sandy. There was perhaps no greater love than the love Margie had for her grandchildren. Ted and Grace were everything to her, and no one was exempt from hearing her brag about them. Being their "Grams" was far and away her most treasured role. "God gave me two grandkids, and they happen to be the best."

Margie's absence will leave a giant hole in the world, but the joy she created shines too brightly to ever fade.

Margie is survived by her husband, Art; children, Brian Krause, and Christine (Pablo) Serna; grandchildren, Ted Reimer, and Grace Reimer; step-granddaughter, Maria Serna; siblings, Frank (Jean) Koehler, George (Sandy) Koehler, Sandy (Bob) Schinke, and Ron (Vicki) Koehler; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Margaret Koehler; brother, Donald Koehler; and former son-in-law, James Reimer.

Rev. David McElroy will be officiating a funeral mass at 11am on Friday, October 11th, 2024, at St. Francis Solanus Church in Gresham. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10am-11am, and all are invited to share stories and a meal in the fellowship hall immediately following the mass.

Margie was frequently heard saying, "that looks like a nice dog."  In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you consider a donation to the Shawano County Humane Society.

"Always look on the bright side of life."