Marita L. Hale

Marita L. Hale, age 82, of Lancaster, died on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Blue Mounds with her daughters by her side. She was born on August 19, 1943, in Lancaster, the daughter of Henry and Ruth (Cook) Pfaff. Marita attended Lancaster schools, graduating in 1961, got married in Lancaster and continued to reside and work there her entire life. She worked at the telephone company before marrying Vernon Hale on August 18, 1962, at the First Presbyterian Church, and then as a teacher’s aide at Winskill Elementary after having children. Later, she and Vernon became co-owners of Corner, Car, and Carpet before opening their own business, the Carpet Stall. After that business closed, she worked at Hardware Hank and later in alterations at Walker’s Clothing & Shoes. Marita was a member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed gardening; baking; cake-decorating; making crafts, baskets, and needle arts; spending time with her family; and being involved with the church. She was always happy, fun-loving, loved socializing, and was known for her homemade hot sauces.

Survivors include six siblings: Charlene Ingebritsen, Middleton; Loren (Kathy) Pfaff, Evansville; Darvin (Ginger) Pfaff, Coloma; Galen Pfaff, Gays Mills; Lorissa (Darlene House) Pfaff, Tampa, FL; and Terry (Christine) Pfaff, Ellicott City, MD; sister-in-law Alberta Pfaff, Sacramento, CA; children: Myleen (Joseph) Bass, Blue Mounds; Daniel (Aimee Pfaff) Hale, Citrus Heights, CA; and Monica Hale; grandchildren: Joseph Matt, Spenser (Tiffany Blakesley), Austin and Aubrey Hale; great-grandchildren: Khalil and Priya Matt; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives; and many friends, including her church family.

In addition to her parents, Marita was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, and two brothers, Leroy Pfaff and Warren Pfaff.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kramer-Grau Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. The family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse and St. Croix Hospice for their great care and kindness.