Margaret L. Schleicher

Margaret L. Schleicher, age 79, went home to her Lord on Friday, March 26, 2010, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of her Hospice Family. She was born May 11, 1930 in Potosi, to Leonard and Stella (Shaw) Doser. Margaret married the love of her life, Samuel Schleicher on June 29, 1948. For many years, they worked together farming in the Lancaster area. After their farming days ended, Margaret worked as a waitress at The Dugout in Potosi, was a supervisor at Loudspeaker Component Center in Lancaster, was a waitress at The Cottonwood in Fennimore, before retiring from Dicks Supermarket in 1996. During this time, she also managed the daunting task of raising their twelve children. She was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, a member of the Lancaster Auxiliary and a volunteer for Grant Regional Health Center and St. Clement Catholic School.

Margaret was a lady of faith and loved her God and lived her life according to His word. She courageously faced her cancer with grace, dignity and determination that led her life. It was these qualities that carried her through the best of times as well as the worst of times and created a strong admiration from family and friends. Throughout her illness she was more concerned for her families well being than her own, just as she had in good health. She was very generous, caring and compassionate person, always willing to give of her time and self to help anyone in any way she could. She was a wonderful cook and loved baking for her family. Family gatherings were never without her infamous homemade bread. After her children were grown, she continued to always have fresh baked goods available anytime friends or family stopped by. Margaret loved to travel and never turned down an opportunity to do so. Special trips included a Alaskan cruise and a six-week Amtrak trip across the U. S. with her husband. Her most recent trip was to France. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. An avid fan of Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Who Wants to be a Millionaire, she kept her mind sharp and amazed her family with how well she played them. Sams passion for sports inspired Margarets love of the Packers, Brewers and Badger football. Her life and legacy is a blessing to us all as we remember her generosity, compassion, courage and strength.

She is survived by her children: Duane (Ann) Schleicher, Lancaster, Diane (Randy) Wixson, Verona, Rhonda Schleicher, Austin, TX, Janet (Rick) Papay, Camarillo, CA, Charles Schleicher, Prescott Valley, AZ, Rae Ann (Tim) Butteris, Ridgeway, Jon (Mary) Schleicher, Platteville, James Dan (Joanne) Schleicher, Fenton, MO, JoLyn (Carson) Reuter, Fennimore, Dr. Michael D. Schleicher (Jill), Elkhart Lake, Andrea (Mark) McMahon, Lancaster, Paul (Stephanie) Schleicher, Austin, TX; 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; brother, Bernard (Elsie) Doser, Dubuque, IA; sisters: Jane Coppernoll, Potosi and Rita Brinkman, Cassville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Sam and her grandson, Nathan Schleicher.

A celebration of her life was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was held at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called at St. Clement Church on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with scripture services at 3:45 p.m. Friends also called on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster iserved the family. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials may be offered to the Lancaster American Legion, Grant County Hospice or St. Clement Catholic Church.

During Margarets battle with cancer she was extremely grateful for all the visits, support and prayers from family and friends and caring support of Kim Leamy and the Hospice staff. Also, a special thank you to Bill Manthe for his loving kindness.