Margaret Alfstad Stake
Margaret Alfstad Stake, age 75, of Friendship, Wisconsin died Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at the Wisconsin Dells Health Services in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah, Wisconsin. Rev. William Rice will officiate. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, August 28th, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
Interment will be at the Quincy Cemetery, Town of Quincy, Adams County, Wisconsin at a later date.
Margaret was born February 6, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois to Arnot and Anna (Thomasen) Alfstad. She graduated from Luther High North in Chicago, IL in 1961. Margaret married John Kenneth Stake on June 26, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois. She accompanied John, while he served three years in the U.S. Army. They moved to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where their daughter Kirsten was born. In 1971, they were called to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. They returned to St. Paul in 1974, and in 1975 began 27 years in the Army Chaplaincy serving communities around the world.
Margaret received her B.A. in English from Wayne State University in 1982. She worked as a legal secretary and administrative assistant in many places including Illinois Tool Works, Robertson, Castle and Anthony in Honolulu, Davidson, Herman & Mauer in Minneapolis, BELCORE in New Jersey, and M&I Bank in Adams.
In 2002, Margaret and John retired to their home in Friendship – near Castle Rock Lake with daughter, Kirsten Baxter and grandson, Ryan Baxter.
Margaret enjoyed writing, reading, quilting, decorating, and participating in the Moundview Ladies Bridge Club in Friendship.
Margaret was a member and leader of many church and chapel organizations, Officers Wives Clubs, and community charitable groups in Europe and the United States.
Memorials may be directed in Margaret’s memory to Lutheran Bible Translators, PO Box 789, Concordia, MO 64020-0789
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Arnot and Anna Alfstad; and aunt and uncle, Rensa and Ray Gerharz.
Survivors:
Husband: John K. Stake of Friendship, Wisconsin
Daughter: Kirsten M. Baxter of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Ryan John Baxter of Friendship, Wisconsin
Sister: Barbara Alfstad Baker of Elgin, Illinois
Nephew: Jeffrey Baker of Austin, Texas
Nephew: Robert (Janie) Baker of Cumming, Georgia
Nephew: Erik Baker of Elgin, Illinois
Further survived by other family and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
God’s grace and peace grant comfort and strength as Family and Friends love and encourage one another during this time. Em and I are forever grateful to God for bringing John and Margaret into our lives nurturing and caring for us as we sought to provide ministry to Soldiers and their Families.
Im so sorry for your loss of ur wife. My thought and prayers are with u and your family at this time.
John, Kirsten, and Ryan so sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. Wishing you love and peace as you grieve.
John- Both Lisa and I were so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Just to let you know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. She is resting in a place we cannot even imagine and is in comfort with our savior.
My deepest sympathy is extended to you, Pastor John, and your family. May His love surround each of you this day and always.
John,
So sorry to hear about Margaret’s passing. She was a delight to work with at M&I.
My prayers are with you and your family.
John, Kirsten, Ryan,
Barbara and the boys,
We share your sorrow and love of Margaret. She and I were friends before she was married, and as her sister-in-law we shared many holidays and visits as our travels permitted, even though jobs separated us for miles and years. We had a special year when she, Kirsten, and my mother, Shirley Stake, all shared our house when John was away for the Army! More memories than I can write, but Margaret was a blessing and always made her company feel wanted and welcomed; always kind, a wonderful cook and hostess. We will miss her very much. Susan Pilshaw
Pastor Stake & family– I was so sad to hear she had passed so quickly, however, she is now visiting w/ so many including my Dad in Heaven. She was so sweet & I have a great photo of You & Margaret w/ my Dad at his birthday. Sending our prayers & hugs Barb & Tim Parker
John, Kirsten and Ryan,
Our deepest condolences to you. Margaret touched so many people with her faith and her kindness.
What a wonderful, thoughtful hostess she was, making certain that her neighbors were not alone for holidays, her home was always open to all.
I’m so grateful to have known her and every trip to Friendship will bring back happy memories of fun times and great coffee at your home. I’m going to miss her.
Chaplain Stake and family,
You have our deepest sympathies. We enjoyed knowing you both while you were at Ft. Lee, Va. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin and Susan Born and family
John and Kirsten, We are very saddened, hearing of Margaret’s death. She truly was an elegant lady and a friend in so many ways. Our prayers are with you and all of your family. You both have been a valued friendship for many years. May God be with you in the days ahead.
John,
Sorry for your loss…she is now in the fullness of the glory given her in Christ. May his peace be with you
Stephen “Wally” Seibel
John and family so sorry to here about Margaret’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Chaplain John and your family, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We pray especially that Christ’s peace and comfort will surround you as He holds Margaret in the palm of His hand. With Love, Tom and Mary
I am sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you John, Kirstin and Ryan
To the Stake family, We are sorry for your loss and are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Oh, John! I’m so sad! I have such fond memories of my times with Margaret! I remember our first military assignment together on Ft Lenardwood,MO; copying some of her recipes while sitting in her kitchen on Ft Lee, VA; celebrating her birthday one Feb 6th all 4 of us together in Williamsburg,VA; and, especially her contagious laugh! Please just know that your Margaret will always be a part of me! Please sense my prayers for peace for you!
Dear Pastor Stake – My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, I never met your wife but got to meet you at a friend’s funeral and was so impressed with the love and compassion you showed that I was privileged when you performed the service for my partner. You do so much for everyone please accept our prayers and offers of help at this time and in the future. It is obvious from the condolences that she was a wonderful much loved lady,
John and Kirsten, Carol and I are so saddened to learn of Margaret’s death. What a lovely and incredible lady! Every memory of her is so special. Both of you often come to mind and every time that happens we reflect upon our times with you with great fondness. May God grant to you a bountiful portion of His grace, comfort, and peace as you walk into the days ahead. Blessings and care to you always.
I am so very sorry to hear of Margarets passing. She was a bright, smiling, and strong lady. Enjoyed visiting with her when ever the chance arose. May the Peace of our Lord be with you and your family. God has just welcomed a beautiful Angel. Love Cathy
Pastor John, Kirsten and Ryan we are sending our love and prayers to you all during this difficult time. The thing we most recall about Margaret is her beautiful smile and strong spirit. She endured a lot these past years but always with grace and dignity! May knowing that she rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior give you strength and peace in the days that lie ahead. May God bless Margaret’s memory and your family !
John and Family,
Anita and I are sorry to hear of Margaret’s death. Our prayers are with you and your family.
John, We were so sorry to here of Margaret death. Our prayers are with you and all that loved her.
John and family:
Ardis and I fondly recall, and deeply value, our contacts and ministry together over the years and assignments. Our hearts hurt at the loss of a lovely lady and follower of the Lord. May his hand and heart give you comfort. You are all in our prayers.
John, I feel so very sad for you, Kirsten & family. I am sad for me too knowing how loving, patient and kind Margaret was. I am thankful to have known her & you. You were the best instructor at the Chaplain’s School, but don’t let any other chaplains read that!! I still say your, “So what?” You and Margaret have left memories in my heart. May God’s Peace embrace you.
John & Kirsten, Margaret was a bright light in our world! Even though we met only a few times in person–one memorable time being with the two of you in MI way back when–it was with these later years in Facebook that she revealed her personality, faith, and enduring love for her Savior and Church. Peace to your family in Christ, Tom & Jan Decker
We are sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. We were and are very grateful for the friendship we enjoyed in Germany and your kindness to both of us in many ways.
John, Carolyn and I send our prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Your loss seems overwhelming and we look, with you, to our Lord to lift up the hope, strength and consoling that our Lord offers. — Benchuck and Carolyn Manning
Karl and I are so very sorry we didn’t get to see her 1 day earlier, as we planed to visit her today. She was one wonderful person. I really remember the wonderful pork and cranberry dinner she made for us. we know is in God’s garden with many friends and that God is taking good care of her now.
Please accept our sympathy John also Ryan and Kristin many prayers go out to you.
Our condolences to the family.
John,
The Lord’s blessings continue to be with you during this natural, but hard transition of life. You remain in my prayers always as Margaret’s memory and God’s love consoles us all.
Our thoughts and prayers to Margaret’s family.
John – Your many, many friends in the Chaplain Corps hold you in our love and prayers. May the consolation of the Holy Spirit sustain you hour by hour in this journey. You and Margie blessed so many with your creative and caring ministries. She will be missed by all of us who knew her and held both of you in such high regard.
I am so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing John. Our family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Reverend Stake, I’m so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Dear John and family,
Margie will always be that beautiful young lady in the black and white dress.
I am so Margie knew I was thinking of her.
It’s never easy loosing a loved one but at least her suffering is over.
Thoughts and prayers to you and all of your family
Oh John. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Take care of each other as I know you will.
Love, Sandy
Margaret was a beautiful Christian lady. We always enjoyed her smile and pleasant company. We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Pastor John, Kirsten and Ryan. God bless you! Love, Al and Julia Forde
My thoughts and prayers are with entire family. God’s comfort and Peace~
My dearest friend from Seminary days and no matter the distance between us. Gutsy and open honest chatter for years between us. Sobbing here today and know that now she is filled with awesome joy in Jesus’s Presence. “I can only imagine….” what she is experiencing right now. God’s peace and comfort – John,Kirsten and Ryan. Love you all so much. Liv/Ken.
I’m sorry to hear this. I enjoyed visiting with Margaret at Arkdale church. My sympathy to you all.
The world is less beautiful today, since Margaret is no longer with us.
She will be greatly missed! She is rejoicing with Jesus today.
We are sorry to hear of Margarets passing. I have great memories of her. Prayers and love to your family at this time.
I was so sorry to hear of Margie’s passing. Not having much contact with John and Margie over the years, I still picture them as they were back in Chicago. It is hard to accept she has gone but I know she is with Jesus and is at peace.