Margaret Garlick

WESTBY Margaret Arlene Garlick, age 85, of Westby, died Monday May 1, 2017. Margaret Arlene Garlick, 85, resident of Westby, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 1, 2017, at Gundersen Health Care in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The faith she treasured became sight as she stepped into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Margaret was born on November 10, 1931, in Vernon County to Lila (Buros) and Orrin Stalsberg. Margaret was raised on a dairy farm between Westby and Bloomingdale and attended Gilbertson Grade School. Margaret graduated from Westby High School and went on to further her education at Vernon County Normal School, where she received her teaching certification. She taught school for two years before meeting the love of her life. Margaret married her lifelong love and partner, Herbert Charles Garlick, on June 6, 1953. They lived on the Garlick farm outside of Galesville, Wisconsin, before moving to a rental farm near Margaret's childhood home outside of Westby. They purchased their own dairy farm just north of Westby in 1959. As their family grew, they also cared for many foster children and ultimately adopted their final foster child, Marlene. In 1965, their barn burned to the ground. Margaret attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She went on to teach fifth grade in Sparta, Wisconsin, for 25 years until her retirement in 1990. Herbert and Margaret wintered at Pioneer RV Resort, north of Phoenix, Arizona, and spent summers at their home in Wisconsin. They enjoyed renovating their home, working on stained glass projects, gardening, playing cards, traveling the world, and spending time with family and friends. Margaret had a passion for genealogy and has documented many family trees of her relatives through the years. Her family albums have given joy to many. She also enjoyed writing a historical fiction novel about the migration of two women, distant cousins, that traveled from Norway to Westby. Unfortunately, Margaret was unable to finish the novel due to health issues. Margaret is survived by her spouse, Herbert Charles Garlick and five children: her son, Kenneth Garlick and spouse Sarah; her daughter Lynda (Garlick) Miller; her daughter Teri (Garlick) Buros and spouse, William; her son, Steven Garlick; her daughter Marlene (Garlick) Prestien and spouse Daniel; and her niece and daughter-of-her-heart, Kristin (MacDonald) Schoon; twelve grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Charlotte Stalsberg and Madeline Stalsberg, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her son, Richard Garlick; her sister Irene (Stalsberg) McDonald; and brothers: Leonard Stalsberg, James (Pauline) Stalsberg, and Glen Stalsberg. Funeral services for Margaret will be Friday May 5, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby. Pastor Paul Tjelta will officiate with burial at Bethesda Cemetery. Friends may call during a visitation on Thursday May 4, 2017, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby, also on Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., before the service, at the church. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St. in, Westby, is serving the family.