Margaret’s life journey came to an end on October 9, 2014. Marg, as she was known by her friends, was the daughter of Rudolph and Hattie (Wengeler) Moeller of Merrill, WI.
Marg was born on November 9, 1934. Her parents, born in Germany, spoke to her in their native language until she was enrolled in the Merrill Public School system. Marg graduated from Merrill High School in 1952. A high school teacher recognized her talent, and supported her in applying for and receiving a 4 year scholarship to U.W.-Madison.
In 1956, Marg graduated from U.W.-Madison with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Field Botany. It was while she was working in the U.W. Zoology Department that she met Frank, and after a whirlwind courtship they were married on July 30, 1955. When Frank completed his graduate studies in 1958, Marg and Frank moved to Racine, WI where Frank taught botany and zoology at the U.W. Center and Marg taught biology at Horlick High School. Daughter Paula was born in 1963 at St. Luke’s Hospital.
In 1965 the family moved back to Madison. Both Marg and Frank worked at the U.W. Marg worked at the Dairy Science Department, the Immunobiology Research Center, and later, at the U.W. Clinical Cancer Center. It was her work at the U.W. Clinical Cancer Center that developed her love of writing and developing public information media. He commitment to disseminating health information lead to her employment as a Public Information Officer with the Wisconsin Division of Health in 1979. She retired from the State in 1997.
In 1988, Marg graduated with a Master of Science in Agricultural Journalism from the U.W. Her interest in design and professional skills led her to pursue further interests in American antique pattern glass. These interests continued in her retirement as she researched and documented the organization and development of early glass companies and their founders. Her work has resulted in numerous articles in glass journals, and two books: “Shield F: The Federal Glass Company 1900-1979” (2006) and “Mr. Collins: Father of Anchor Hocking” (2010).
Marg had a very generous spirit, and found ways to support individuals and causes that were important to her. As a gardener, she volunteered many hours and earned a Master Gardener certification. She knitted thousands of mittens to distribute to those in need. She corresponded with those who were house bound, even when she, too, was house bound.
She is survived by her husband Frank, daughter Paula, her husband John Landers, and their son Isaac.
A memorial service celebrating Marg’s life will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1021 Spaight Street, Madison, WI on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 11:00 am. Visitation with family and friends begins at 10:00 am. Gifts or memorials may be made to the Immanuel Foundation for neighborhood and community outreach, the U.W. Allen Centennial Gardens, or the Dane County Humane Society.
Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com