Margaret Stiloski

Margaret Stiloski, age 91, of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin passed away peacefully with her family at her side at the Seasons of Life Hospice on Sunday, April 14, 2019.

Margaret was born in the town of Eger (now Cheb) in the Czech Republic on January 1, 1928. She was the second oldest of four siblings (Elle, Miitze and Josef) born to parents Margaret and George Werner. Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and her sisters. Of her family in Europe, Margaret is survived by her brother, Josef Werner who lives with his family in Nidda, Germany. Her husband Joseph Stiloski passed away on January 31, 2002.

Margaret spoke with fondness of her childhood memories. She recalled spending time with her family, in particular taking the train to the Black Forest in Germany to spend holidays hiking and picking mushrooms. She excelled in school and was an accomplished athlete who enjoyed swimming, skiing and skating. Margaret’s happy childhood was interrupted by the passing of her father in 1942 and her family’s ordered repatriation to Germany during World War II. During this time, Margaret and her family were made to leave their home in the Czech Republic with only what they could carry. Margaret and her family eventually settled near Frankfurt, Germany.

Although Margaret was able to remain with her mother and siblings during WW II it was a frightening time. Upon the liberation of Germany by the Allied Forces circumstances began to slowly improve. Being an intelligent young woman, Margaret served as a translator for the United States Army in Germany. It was at this time she met an American soldier, her future husband, Joseph Stiloski. Joe was discharged from the army in 1946 and after his return to America he continued to write Margaret letters. He eventually sent for her to join him in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. Margaret arrived in New York and was married to Joe in Tarrytown in July of 1947. Margaret arrived in Boulder Junction in August of 1947 and has resided there ever since.

Margaret cultivated a full and rich life in Boulder Junction. She was active in her church (St. Anne Catholic Church) where she taught catechism for many years. She volunteered at the local elementary school (Boulder Junction and then North Lakeland) and library (Boulder Junction Library). She also gave her time to Meals on Wheels for seniors and you could count on Margaret to lend a helping hand at the annual Musky Day and the Colorama Dinner.

Margaret had a lifelong love of reading and always stayed up to date on current affairs. She also maintained an active outdoor lifestyle. Margaret loved hiking (Lake of the Clouds was a favorite), swimming (claiming to have swam across Trout Lake even though it was only at the narrows), skiing with Joe at Musky Mountain in Sayner, ice skating on the Manitowish River and of course fishing. One of our favorite childhood memories was walking up the ice-covered river each December as a family to cut down a Christmas tree.

Margaret and Joe developed and ran their own resort on the Manitowish River and one of her greatest joys was providing her guests with memorable vacations.

Even deeper than Margaret’s sense of community, work ethic and hospitality were the love and pride she had for her family. As a mother she saved to make sure her children had nice things and she always helped with homework. Margaret was particularly proud that all of her children attended college and graduated.

As a grandmother Margaret was exceedingly generous with her love and time. She always made sure each grandchild knew how important they were to her, even while running a busy resort. Margaret would take time each day the grandchildren were visiting to do special things that were unique to being at Grandma’s, like making pancakes and bacon in the morning or going for a row boat ride in the evening.

Margaret is survived by: sons, Joe Stiloski, Oconto; Jim (Linda) Stiloski, Oconto and Brookfield; and Steve (Judy Boehm) Stiloski, Hartford; daughters, Margaret (John) Kress, Sparta; and, Sandy (Bill) Niemi, Lodi. Margaret is also survived by eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Throughout her life Margaret possessed a deep faith in God. At this time our family finds peace in her faith and in knowing she has been reunited with her family, her husband and her loving Creator.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, May 4th at St. Anne Catholic Church in Boulder Junction at 11:00 a.m.. Those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to indulge in Margaret’s favorite pastime of having a cup of coffee and a little coffee cake with friends. Donations may also be sent to benefit the Boulder Junction Public Library. The Nimsgern Funeral Home is serving the family and the Stiloski’s wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to them as well as Seasons of Life Hospice, Northwoods Senior Home Care and Nancy and Bob Moser.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com