Margarette A Jagler

Margarette A. Jagler, 97, of Mosinee, formerly of Hatley, died on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at her home at Acorn Hill Senior Living Community in Mosinee.

She was born on Nov. 26, 1928, in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter and only child of the late Frank and Helen (Pokrzywinski) Kosidowski. She graduated from Messmer High School and went to work as a clerk at Gimbels, a job she loved and where she was deeply valued.

Margarette left Milwaukee when her parents moved to central Wisconsin to purchase Pike Lake Resort. She helped them at the resort and tavern there, and later at Lost Lake Resort.

She met Leonard Jagler at a family wedding and the two were married on April 22, 1950, at St. Florian Catholic Church in Hatley. He preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2018.

Leonard and Margarette began their life together in Wausau before purchasing a farm in Hatley, where they raised their three daughters and later welcomed their first grandchildren. They lived there until the early 1980s when they moved closer to town.

Margarette bent when she could, stood firm when she had to, and loved big without hesitation. During the many days Leonard was on the road, she carried the full responsibility of home and family with grit. When times required, she went to work, doing whatever was necessary until the need was met, then returning to the care of her family. Tough and hardworking, her strength was rooted in devotion to those she loved.

Whenever she could, Margarette joined Leonard on the road in his semi, cherishing the long hours together and the beauty of the open highway. She later served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Town of Ringle for several years, and in the early 2000s could often be found helping two of her daughters at their business, Gifted Sisters, in Weston.

Together the couple enjoyed polka music and spirited games of Yahtzee or cards. She was an avid reader and accomplished crocheter, lovingly crafting baby blankets for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Margarette enjoyed her morning black coffee, and she loved a good piece of toast. She was a loyal Milwaukee Brewers fan, but an even greater fan of the family she and Leonard built together. She spent meaningful time with each of her grandchildren: baking, cooking, and bestowing affection, including the cherished nickname “honey-girl” for a lucky few.

She especially loved when the whole family gathered, content to sit and watch with a wide smile on her face. Every goodbye came with a strong embrace and her infamous smooch. When time and distance separated them, Margarette embraced FaceTime to stay connected—right up to her final weeks.

Survivors include her three daughters, Susan Steffke, Sioux Falls, SD, Maria (Curtis) Beste, Mosinee, and Ruth (Donald) Christianson, Weston; seven grandchildren, Shannon Steffke, Andrea (Anders Nottrott) Steffke, Kimberly (Cody) Wiesman, Laura (Eric) Vehlow, Nicholas (Krystina) Christianson, Nina (Alex) Folz, and Erica (Andrew) Koehl; 19 great-grandchildren, Mason & Saylor McCoy & Crosby Steffke-Linn, Marley & Mayvis Wiesman, Bentley, Marcus & Emry Vehlow, Calvin, Elliott & Graham Christianson, Aiden Folz & Addison Purkis, Owen & Cameron Folz, and Mackenzie, Bode, Parks & Ivy Koehl; and a sister-in-law, Lorraine Barnett, Weston. She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, LuAnn, husband Leonard, son-in-law, Steve Steffke, and brother-in-law, Joseph Barnett. 

Services will be at 11 am, on Monday, Jan 12, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 603 4th Street, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate. Burial will be at St. Florian Parish Cemetery, Hatley. Visitation will be from 9 am until time of services, at St. Paul’s. Beste Funeral home, Mosinee, is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Acorn Hill and St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion given to Margarette.