Margaret Elizabeth Ploetz

St. Charles, Margaret Elizabeth Ploetz, 88, of St. Charles died Monday November 7, 2005 at Seasons Hospice in Rochester. Margaret was born January 1, 1917 in St. Charles to Frederick and Anna (Stock) Pfeil. On March 25, 1939, Margaret married Kermit Ploetz. The couple farmed for 43 years before moving to St. Charles in 1983. Kermit preceded her in death in 1991. In addition to helping farm, raising five children, and teaching elementary school, Margaret continued her education in the evenings and graduated from Winona State University in 1972 with a Masters degree in Education. She taught in the rural Summit School District before teaching 1st through 3rd grades in Utica. She ended her teaching career in St. Charles, teaching 1st grade until her retirement in 1985. Margaret was named Teacher of the Year while in St. Charles. Margaret was an advocate for the Head Start program, worked with both 4-H and the American Field Service and tutored many children. She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where she did volunteer work, and was a member of its Lady's Aid. In 1990 Margaret was inducted into the Winona County Hall of Fame. She was also a subject of "Elder's Wisdom, Children's Song", a project honoring people for their contributions to the St. Charles Community. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, quilting, gardening and her grandchildren. Survivors include two daughters, Judy (Randal) Schmidt of Kirkland, WA and Linda (Larry) Fix of Rochester, one son Wendell of Utica, 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Margaret was preceded in death by two sons, Kermit J. (Kip) and Bruce, her parents, one brother and one sister. Funeral Services will be 11 AM Saturday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Hart officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Friday at Hoff Funeral Home's - St. Charles Chapel. They may also call one hour before services at the church. Please share a memory of Margaret at her on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.