Margaret Welke

Welke, Margaret J. MADISON - Margaret J. Welke passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014 in Madison, Wis. enveloped in the love of family and friends. Margaret was welcomed into the world by her parents, Harold and Margot Welke, on Aug. 11, 1954. She was born in Harvey, Ill. and grew up in Dolton, Ill. at the home of her beloved grandparents, Harold and Helen Mann. Margaret graduated from Thornridge High School in 1971 and attended Western Illinois University where she graduated in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Zoology. Margaret went on to graduate study in Zoology at the University of Illinois at Urbana and acquired a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 1984. While Margaret began her career in Zoo Administration at the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, she soon changed direction and applied her keen analytic mind to the field of marketing research. She worked for several years at Information Resources, Inc. in Chicago and then relocated to Madison, Wis. to work in the marketing research department at the Oscar Mayer Food Company. After many years there, Margaret found her professional home at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board where she avidly explored opportunities to share the glory of Wisconsin cheese with the world. Margaret will be remembered for her devotion to animals, not least of which was her much beloved puppy, Maggie. She was also a master gardener and on any given weekend could be found carefully tending to her magnificent garden. Margaret’s home was her sanctuary and provided her many hours of comfort and joy. Every inch of her house and grounds was painstakingly renovated and fashioned to her exquisite vision. Margaret was also a renowned traveler. She ventured far and wide, often accompanied by one of her dear friends. Her travels took her to most of the continents from North America to South, from Europe to Africa. Margaret was also a passionate advocate for many causes including more than 150 charities to which she made contributions of time and income. Her work with the Madison Chapter of Citizens Climate Change Lobby, in particular, gave her a real sense of purpose and accomplishment. Margaret felt strongly that one person can make a difference and she certainly made a difference in her lifetime. Margaret is survived by her brother, Mark (Donna); and their children Devin and Ian. She will also be missed by her many dear friends and her cherished puppy, Maggie. We would like to thank Agrace Hospice for guiding Margaret and her friends on this journey. In particular, we would like to thank Kat for taking such good care of our loved one and allowing her to remain at home as long as possible. In lieu of flowers, Margaret requested that donations be made to any of the following organizations: the Union of Concerned Scientists, Greenpeace, the Environmental Defense Fund, the African Wildlife Foundation, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, or Citizens Climate Education Corporation. A private service in celebration of Margaret will be held at the First Unitarian Society in Madison. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420