Margaret was born to George and Frances Kirch in Madison, Wisconsin in 1951. The fifth of eight children, she grew up in a house full of energy and love. She carried that same energy and love with her to the University of Wisconsin – Stout in 1970 where she met Wes in the trombone section of the University Band. They were married in 1971 and resided in Burlington, Vermont. In 1972 they moved to DeKalb, Illinois where daughter Amy and son Tom were born. In 1977 the family relocated to Weston, Wisconsin.
Amy and Tom grew up in a home full of joy, and as a family had many adventures traveling from East coast to West coast. Countless camping trips throughout each summer and several ski trips to Montana in the winter reinforced the sense of fun and exploration Margaret wanted for her family.
Margaret always pursued a rich, fulfilling life, and seemed to stop at nothing to make it so. After years of dedicating herself to her children and home, she completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 1986, and worked as an Environment Health Specialist at the Marathon County Health Department. As a member of the WEHA Board of Education, Margaret worked to bring awareness to communities throughout the state of Wisconsin about environmental health, consequently making these communities safer for future generations.
Her love of skiing and her desire to help people encouraged her to join the National Ski Patrol in 1989. She pulled Wes in right along with her, and they were members of the patrol until 2000. It seemed at times that Margaret was never able to do enough; her desire to fully live her life lead her to enthusiastically coach soccer, serve on the PTA, lead a troop of Brownies, and sing alto in the choir at Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
In 1996, Margaret and Wes started a new adventure in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. There, Margaret founded Margaret Anderson, Inc. (environmental health consultant), and built the Environmental Health programs for Washington and Ozaukee County Health Departments. Later, she joined Washington County full time as Environmental Health Supervisor until her retirement in 2013.
While in Cedarburg, she invested in her community through the Syzygy group, and as a member of the choir at Advent Lutheran Church.
Her life was enriched with love, joy, and adventure which she unreservedly shared with her grandchildren for as long as she possibly could. They gave her a new energy, which she unabashedly reciprocated. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her love of life and quest for joy and happiness will remain within us forever.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, August 11, 2016. Visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Memorial Service to begin at 1:00. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. Advent Lutheran Church, W63 N642 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012. In lieu of flowers, donations to a memorial of your choice are appreciated.