Margaret A. Esch

Dodgeville – Margaret A. Esch, age 78, of Dodgeville, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer. Margaret was born on October 26, 1938 to Vernon and Frieda (Wiest) Toay. She grew up on a farm outside of Ridgeway and graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1956. After graduation she attended Edgewood College and worked at Ayers Furniture in Ridgeway as a Bookkeeper. On May 11, 1963, she married Patrick Esch and together they farmed for over 30 years. She also worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Dodgeville and Lands' End, retiring after 21 years of service. Margaret will always be remembered by her family and many friends for being very stoic, her genuine smile and her quick-witted sense of humor, which she managed to uphold until the very end. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Dodgeville. Margaret was an excellent cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. She loved watching all the different birds that congregated at the birdfeeder and one of her biggest daily challenges was finding "creative" ways to keep the squirrels out of the birdfeeder. Margaret was content at home doing day to day things, but never passed up a chance for a lunch outing with friends or a day trip adventure. She cherished the memories of her many vacations to Branson over the past 12 years, all the sightseeing along the way and loved attending shows of some of her favorite performers, Mel Tillis, Mickey Gilley and The Presley's. Margaret was a devoted wife to Pat and to their one and only daughter Julie. She had a genuine heart and a gentle soul and our lives are forever changed without you. Margaret is survived by her husband Patrick; her daughter Julie Esch; her siblings Shirley Sigg, Jim Toay, Bill Toay, Ray Toay, Tom Toay, Ann Toay and Cyril Toay; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Frieda and Vernon Toay, her brothers-in-law Joe Sigg, Tom Esch, Jim Esch and sister-in-laws Kathy Toay and Mary Reese. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2017 at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Upland Hills Hospice or St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Special thanks to Dr. Rachael Keith of Upland Hills Health and the wonderful and compassionate team at Upland Hills Hospice.

Margaret A. Esch

October 26, 1938 - April 19, 2017