Margaret Graves
Margaret “Maggie” Johanna Graves, 81, passed away on October 25, 2016 at St. Francis Home in Fond du Lac. She was born to Ferdinand and Ellen (Akren) Gustafson on April 1, 1935. She graduated from Stephenson High School in Michigan and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University.
Maggie was united in marriage to George Edgar Graves on August 15, 1959 in Stephenson, Michigan. George passed away in 1966.
Maggie was a long time resident of Midland, Michigan, living there for over 50 years before moving to Fond du Lac, WI in 2013. She taught at Midland Public Schools for many years and was very active in community organizations such as Lioness and Red Hats Society. She particularly enjoyed volunteering at the Midland Hospital gift shop. Maggie was an active member at Midland First United Methodist Church until her move to Wisconsin.
Those things most important to Maggie were faith, family, friends and her faithful furry companion, Gizmo. She was known for her sweet disposition and kind heart.
Maggie will always be remembered by her grandchildren as “Gram” and great grandchildren as “GG.” Too young to be called grandma or great-grandma, the nicknames fit her young-at-heart personality. GG always knew not to sweat the small stuff, to live in the moment and was always one step ahead of anyone’s question with a quick-witted comment. She cherished time with family and friends, and was always sure to spoil with lots of candy and chocolate. Maggie also loved spending time in the dog park with her furry friends. We will miss her spunky personality but will carry her love for life and ability to live in the moment with us forever.
Maggie is survived by two children, Ann (William) Freund and Thomas Graves; four grandchildren, Shana (Kameron) Schaberg, Melanie (Matthew) Steinbarth, Maggie (David) Treml and Katie (Jake) Brunsberg; eight great grandchildren, Sophie, Molly, Imogen, Roisin, Brea, Hadleigh, Anwen and Reid. She is further survived by one sister-in-law, Rosemary Gustafson, nephews, Eugene and Mike (Brenda) Gustafson and many friends.
Maggie was preceded in death by her husband, George, and three siblings, Alice, Carl and Eugene Gustafson.
Services: A celebration of Maggie’s life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan Street in Fond du Lac, with a visitation at 11:00 AM and a memorial service at 12 Noon. Pastor Bill Beaton will officiate. Interment will take place at Midland Municipal Cemetery in Midland, Michigan in July 2017. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Maggie’s name can be directed to Midland First United Methodist Church (315 W. Larkin St., Midland, MI 48640), the MS Society, St. Francis Home or Agnesian Hospice Hope.
Zacherl Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank all the staff and volunteers at Lakeview Assisted Living, St. Francis Home and Agnesian Hospice Hope for their compassionate care of Maggie and the entire family.