Obituary of Margaret Susan Pirkel

MARGARET S. PIRKEL, 101, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, at Alden Estates in Jefferson. Margaret was born in Fort Atkinson, on May 16, 1913, to Mathias and Gertrude (Meyer) Neis. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic Grade School. On July 26, 1933 Margaret married Clarence Pirkel at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Johnson Creek. They had 3 children, Jeanette, Richard and Michael. She lovingly raised her niece, Susan Neis, as a daughter, as well as Susan's daughter Hannah. Margaret was a devout Catholic; a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Lake Mills. Her faith and love of God has brought her strength and guidance throughout her life. She grew up farming and always had a love for raising animals; especially chickens and geese. She most enjoyed working in her large gardens; it was the thoughts of planning her garden that got her through those cold winters! She was also a wonderful cook and baker who made the best pies, and was especially known for her delicious Schaum Torte and Parker House rolls! Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Michael, and brothers Adam, Paul and Joseph. Surviving are her children: Jeanette Pranke of Jefferson, Richard Pirkel of Watertown, Susan Neis of Lake Mills; 10 grandchildren: Alan Pranke, Doug Pranke, Pat Thomas, Kathy Jacobson, Cydney Kislin, Debbie Detert, Mark Pirkel, Ed Pirkel, Paul Pirkel and Hannah Neis; 14 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday February 6, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lake Mills with the Rev. David Wanish officiating, burial will follow in the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic cemetery in Johnson Creek. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Margaret has given us the best gift in life: herself. We will always hold the dearest memories of this wonderful woman in our hearts. Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in her memory.