Margot F. Risch

Margot F. Risch, 93 a resident of Alterra Sterling House, Fond du Lac, formerly of Waukegan, IL, died Friday, November 16, 2007 at St. Agnes Hospital following a stroke. She was born July 14, 1914 (1918) the daughter of Fred and Mary Davis in Pawhuska, OK by an Osage Indian medicine man. She attended school in Pawhuska and Tulsa, OK. Margot spent most of her life in the performing arts. An accomplished ballerina, she danced with Tulsa Ballet Co. in Oklahoma, Milton Hill dancers and San Francisco Ballet, both in California, and Ballet Russe in St. Louis. On April 26, 1945 she married Gerald (Jerry) Ashton Risch. Margot and Jerry were known as The Ashtons's, performing throughout the United States, settling in the Chicago, Milwaukee area. After working for a local hospital for a while, she owned and operated Mer-Val School of Dance until the age of 70 in Waukegan, IL. Along with her husband, Jerry, they created, owned and performed Ashton's Puppets in the Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin areas. In 2002 Margot moved to Fond du Lac following the death of her husband to be near her daughter. She was an active member of the Chicagoland Puppet Guild, Chicago Dance Masters, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waukegan, IL and Ascension Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac.SURVIVORS: her daughter, Sandi (Steve) Hanamann, New Holstein; their children, Derek (Ann) Hanamann, New Holstein, Dieter Hanamann, Milwaukee and Gretta (Michal) Walczak, Milwaukee; her son, James Risch, Waukegan, IL and his son, Ashton (Beth) Risch, Winthrop Harbor, IL and a great granddaughter. She is further survived by her niece, Linda, Tulsa, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jerry in 2002, sister Izzy and a daughter-in-law, Gigi.



VISITATION: will be from 2:30 "“ 3:30PM on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at Ascension Lutheran Church. The memorial service will be at 3:30 PM on Wednesday at church with Rev. Jeff Blain officiating. Cremation has taken place.A memorial will be established in Margot's name.The family extends a special thanks to the Alterra Sterling House, Fond du Lac and the nurses and staff of the 6th floor at St. Agnes Hospital for the care and compassion during Margot's last days. Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guestbook can be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.