Margaret Barbara Hafenbredl, age 86, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Friday morning, May 2, 2014 at Pine Ridge Assisted Living in Wisconsin Rapids.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday May 8, 2014 at Woodlands Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Dan DeRoche will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Auburndale. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. on Thursday at the church.

Margaret was born June 4, 1927 in Milladore, WI to Joseph and Rose (Grassl) Linzmeier . She grew up on the family farm and was one of 14 children. She met a handsome young man named Edward Hafenbredl and the two were united in marriage on May 4, 1953 in Blenker, WI. They were blessed with four children. Edward died on March 2, 1961.

As a widow, Margaret raised her children alone, providing for them while working as an employee of the state of Wisconsin for 20 years. She was a staunch Catholic all of her life, raising her children in that faith, as well as a long-time member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

Margaret had a vibrant personality and made friends easily. She loved her family and especially enjoyed her grandchildren, who she would always greet with a big smile. She also loved the company of her feline companion, Morris, who always brought a smile to her.

She had a green thumb, successfully growing a huge garden, canning and preparing a great number of foods. One favorite was the apple pies she made with apples from the tree Eddie had planted many years previously. She loved to make quilts and sewed children's clothing. Polkas were her preferred music, to which she loved to dance. Another favorite pastime was "going rummaging" with family and friends. She enjoyed collecting decorative glass pieces.

Margaret is survived by four children: Linda (Larry) Hafenbredl-Johnson of New Jersey, Michael (Constance) Hafenbredl of Sturgeon Bay, WI, Sharon Hafenbredl of Milladore, WI, and Douglas (Katherine) Hafenbredl of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; eleven grandchildren: Trevor, Brian, Adam, Saul, Alycia, Ruby, Brandon, Josh, George, Molly, and Abby; six great-grandchildren: Autumn, Ethan, Alex, Maddie, Lydia, and Chloe; and one sister, Josephine Haffenbredl of Auburndale, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Henry, Ignatius, George, Robert, Louis, Andrew and Timothy, and sisters: Eleanor, Mary, Elizabeth, and Ann.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family.