Margaret Olga Winchell was born on July 2, 1924 in Black Brook Township of Polk County, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Melvin Thorvald and Olga Amelia (Jorgenson) Munson. She was baptized and confirmed at East Immanuel Lutheran Church. Margaret attended Amery High School graduating with the class of 1942. On August 8, 1945 she was united in marriage to Donald Winchell and to this union four daughters were born. They made their home in Amery and Margaret worked at the Ben Franklin Store for over 30 years. She also spent some time working at Danielson Drug and at the Amery School. They were members of First Lutheran Church in Amery. When Don took over the operation of the ambulance service for Amery she also worked for them. Margaret was a member of the Sons of Norway and also the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed embroidery,crafting and collecting cardinal pieces of art. She and Don enjoyed traveling, and after Don's death she continued to go on tour trips when they were offered. In the past years going to Old Time Dances was one of her favorite activities. Margaret died unexpectedly at her home in Amery on November 21, 2011 at the age of 87 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, infant daughter Brenda and sister Ethel Wold. Survivors include her daughters: Mary (Gary) Oftedahl, Sharon (Stans) Phaneuf, and Margo (John) Harvieux; 7 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Amery with Pastor Tim Bjorge officiating. Vocalists will be Lou & Kathy Williamson accompanied by Julie Selle. Casketbearers will be her grandchildren: Jayde Phaneuf, Nichole Phaneuf-Snethen, Megan Phaneuf, Laura Oftedahl, Jana Effertz, Jaime Randall and Reidar Oftedahl. Interment will be at the East Immanuel Cemetery in rural Amery. There will be a time of visitation for the hour prior to the service at the church.