Margaret E. Brandenburg

Margaret E. Brandenburg, 89, passed away at the Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac on Sunday, February 15, 2015. She was born on November 7, 1925 in Elkader, IA, the daughter of Walter and Jessie Leui Dittmer. Upon graduating from high school she moved with her parents to Davenport, IA. During World War II she worked for the government at the Rock Island Arsenal. At the end of the war she enrolled in a professional college of cosmetology, Swedish massage and electrolysis. After graduation, she taught in this field until October 1, 1949 when she married her husband, Bob. She then moved to Fond du Lac where her husband was employed at Giddings & Lewis.



Margaret was the ultimate volunteer during her lifetime, devoting her efforts to her church and schools where her boys were enrolled. She was president of Chegwin school’s PTA and while working there she organized the “Mother Helper Program” and became the volunteer coordinator for the reading center, working with reading coordinator of the school. During this time she participated in the “Queen Bee” program which received state and national recognition. One of her main interests was creative writing and giving dramatic readings. She worked with full choirs giving readings and enjoyed writing story book fashion shows while in the east and in Wisconsin. Later, she drove three years for the high school varsity tennis team and for the boy’s honor’s chorus. She also served as chairperson for EBCE; Experience Based Career Education, at the high school level. She instigated the volunteer shampoo program at St. Agnes Hospital and also worked at the information desk and One Day surgery. During this time she served as a member of the original Hospice Hope Home Care programs and assisted with the recommendations for the remodeling of the original St. Agnes gift shop. She also volunteered in the hospital and Act II gift shops. As a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, she assisted in teaching water safety to children at the elementary schools. She also operated the coast guard radio system to keep in touch with all the fishermen during walleye weekend.



Margaret was a past president of the Newcomer’s club, Ladies of the Elks, Federated Women’s club, treasurer of the Republican Women, secretary of Ledgewood Ladies golf group, and chairman of the Rules Committee of South Hill’s Ladies Golf. She was a past member of the school council board, served on the building utilization board and was a member of the Heart Association. She helped present an “Awareness Program on Drugs” in the elementary schools, worked on the “Block Parent” program and assisted at state conventions in presenting this program. Her husband’s position took them to New York state and Connecticut. While living in these areas, she was involved in the Hudson River Garden Club and in her children’s school in Westport, CT. In addition to her outside activities, she was a wonderful wife and helper to Bob, an outstanding mother, grandmother and a friend to everyone she met.



The Brandenburg family has always been avid lovers of traveling, boating, skiing, and other sports. Her church was very important to her. She was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church, served as an Elder, Chairwoman of Missions on the Presbyterian Women’s board, member of the church craft group, assisted with the bazaars, rummage sales and was an officer of the Christ Child Association.



Surviving her are her husband Bob, sons Kevin (Debbie) and Kurt (Dawn) and four grandchildren: Taylor (Andrew) Limmer, Alek (Holly) Brandenburg, and Joe and Kelly Brandenburg. Preceding her in death were her parents and her only brother, Staff Sergeant Robert Dittmer who was killed flying over Germany during World War II.



Visitation for Margaret will be held Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM at 1st Presbyterian Church, 1225 4th St. in Fond du Lac. Funeral service to follow at 11:30 AM with Rev. Jack Harrison officiating. Private entombment will take place later in the day at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery, 686 Fond du Lac Ave. in Fond du Lac.



Memorials may be directed to the 1st Presbyterian Church or to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.



The family wishes to thank the staff of the Hospice Home of Hope for their outstanding service and care that they provided Margaret during her brief stay with them.



Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com