Margaret Mae DePolis passed away on April 7, 2015, at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison, Wisconsin, at the age of 100.  

Margaret was born February 16, 1915, in Spooner, Wisconsin, to Louise (Donatell) DePolis and Carl DePolis.  After graduating from Spooner High School she moved to Milwaukee where she met and married William G. Kempke in 1936.  He joined the Army during WWII and was killed in action in the invasion of Southern France.  In 1947 Margaret married Ronald C. Scalzo in Spooner, Wisconsin, and over the years they lived in Spooner, Eau Claire, and Hayward.  In 1986 they were divorced.  

Margaret's life began in a time when horses outnumbered cars, an airplane was something that a barnstormer landed in an empty field, and many houses had not been wired for electricity.  She was one of the oldest of eight children; she knew responsibility at an early age.  She was of the generation that struggled to survive the Great Depression, then endured a world war.  Early hardships aside, Margaret led a productive and loving life, devoted to bringing-up her three children.  In later years, she enjoyed bridge, travel, reading, and socializing with family and friends.  She loved to play dominoes and bingo, and was reported to have taken occasional gambling trips to the casino.  We will miss her dearly.

Margaret is preceded in death by her daughter, Jean Marie (Fred) Hoeser, her parents, and two brothers and five sisters.  She is survived by her son William G. Kempke (Annette) of Rochester, MN, her daughter Patricia A. (Michael) Welch of Sun Prairie, WI, grandchildren Laura, Ann and Justin, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM Friday, June 19, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 409 Summit St., Spooner, WI 54801. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Spooner. Rev. Ed Anderson will officiate. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Friday, June 19.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Care Center, 3401 Maple Grove Drive, Madison, WI 53719.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Judy & Ed Coffman April 24, 2015, at 10:24am

   I like the picture you used. It is so her. I can still hear the two sisters giggling as they did often! As recently as a little more than four years ago! Our sympathy to all of you. It's always a hard loss when a mother & grandmother leaves us,

2. Jeanne (Rand) Bruce April 15, 2015, at 1:36pm

   Patti - I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. It has been a long time since our Spooner days, but I remember you all so well and so fondly. Our mothers spent many happy hours together at the bridge table and at other events. It is so hard to lose them - I hope you can find peace and comfort in your memories.

   In love and sympathy,

   Jeanne Rand

3. Karen Churitch April 14, 2015, at 7:20pm

   So sorry to hear about Marge.
   She was our sweet neighbor Who we missed when she moved. We played bridge and enjoyed the wonderful cookies and treats she baked. Please let me know when her funeral is as I would like to attend.

4. Donna & Neil April 11, 2015, at 4:05pm

   Bill, Patricia, and Family, what a lovely Obit. to your mother...so happy she made it to 100 years of age, and had a devoted and loving family always there for her. You are to be commended for such devotion. We should be so lucky!!! Our deepest condolences...

5. Helynn Carlson April 11, 2015, at 11:21am

   I have a heavy heart today. My dear friend Marge has died. I always told her she was like family, only better. I will miss her! Bryn and I send our love to Bill, Annette, Patty. Bryn and Helynn

6. Mary Omernik Skytland April 11, 2015, at 9:33am

   What a long and eventful life you mom had. It feels different after they pass but grateful for who they were and all they taught us. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith.
   2 Tim. 4-7. Blessings and Peace.

7. Delta Smith April 10, 2015, at 10:50am

   Patti, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what a difficult time this is for you and your family. I pray that God gives you the strength to get through this difficult time.

8. Aine Calgaro April 10, 2015, at 9:42am

   I am so sorry to hear of Margaret's passing. I only met her a few times, but I thought she was a delightful, spunky lady. My condolences to all the family.

View More Posts ( # )