Marguerite Ann Wasserburger

Marguerite Ann Wasserburger July 23, 1949 – November 29, 2024

Marguerite Ann Wasserburger, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and park ranger of uncommon strength and spirit, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, at the age of 75. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 23, 1949, she lived a life of compassion, creativity, and fierce devotion to her family and the natural world.

Marguerite’s proudest achievement was raising her three beloved sons: Hanz Wasserburger (married to Nina), Tommy McDowell, and Sean McDowell (married to Jennifer). As a mother, she led with love, selflessness, and an unwavering dedication that shaped their lives. She found immeasurable joy in her role as a grandmother to Wesley, Mason, Sienna, Ryder, Cameron, Chloe, Alana, Jillian, and Saige—each of whom lit up her world with laughter and love.

Her fondest moments were the simple ones: swimming in Topaz Lake, walking barefoot on the beach, or sitting beside family, fully present and at peace. She treasured these pockets of joy, woven into the rhythm of life with those she held closest.

As a park ranger, Marguerite’s love of nature and stewardship for the outdoors left a meaningful impact on the land and the people she served. Her quiet strength and pride in her work reflected her deep respect for the natural world.

She was dearly loved by her siblings—Lori, Heidi, Kim, Dick, and Jon—with whom she shared unbreakable bonds:

Kim recalls: “I can still see her radiant smile. She loved the Beatles, Otis Redding, and Neil Young, and she held the title of 1st Runner-Up Aquarama Queen and Minocqua Bat with pride. As the eldest sibling, she paved the way—teaching me invaluable lessons. She laughed from the heart, with a wry grin and eyes that saw beyond the obvious.”

Heidi shares: “My sister taught me to be kind to all creatures, great and small, to laugh openly, to be exactly who you are, and to love with your whole heart. Her bright light and free spirit will be deeply missed—as well as her fearless rendition of Oklahoma. Fly free, sister.”

Lori reflects: “Growing up with three older brothers, I looked up to Marguerite as both a queen and a rockstar. She was bold and unapologetically herself, and through that, I learned countless life lessons. I will always be grateful that she raised three wonderful sons, giving me the joy of being their ‘fun Aunt.’”

Dick shares: “Margie and I spent much of our childhood side by side—she the brains, and I the muscle. Her discoveries became mine; I was her willing guinea pig. Her Beatlemania phase—falling in love with Paul McCartney—ignited a lifelong passion for music. I became her ‘protector,’ especially during our wild Graham Nash pool hall encounter. But my greatest privilege was being by her side in San Francisco when her beautiful son Hanz was born. In our later years, I’m grateful we found our way back to one another.”

From Hanz: “My mom had an unmistakable laugh—endearing, contagious, and always present, even in life’s hardest moments. She loved sitcoms and feel-good shows: King of Queens, Two and a Half Men, Reba, Everybody Loves Raymond. She had a gift for finding delight in the small, quirky things. And she was deeply passionate about politics—speaking from her heart with fearless conviction.”

Later in life, Marguerite found strength and serenity through a deep and personal faith in God. It became her anchor in both joy and sorrow, a source of grace that guided her path. Jesus loves her and she loves Him.

Her home was a sanctuary—made warmer by her cherished pets, including her late companions Maggie May the cat and Pumpkin the dog. In her final years, she was tenderly comforted by her loyal cat Lilly, with whom she shared a special bond.

Marguerite is survived by her sons and their spouses, her nine grandchildren, her five siblings, her dear cat Lilly, and a wide circle of extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Helen Wasserburger, and many beloved animal companions.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she gave freely. Her faith, her laughter, her quiet strength, and the way she made people feel seen and loved—that is what will never fade.

Celebration of Life services for Marguerite (Margie) will be held on Friday, July 11th at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.