Margaret (Marge) E. Gothier

Loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Margaret (Marge) E. Gothier, 79 of Fergus Falls, passed away in the presence of her children and grand children on Friday, November 18, 2011, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.

Margaret Elaine was born on July 3, 1932, in Redby, Minnesota, the daughter of George and Gertrude (Smith) Gillespie. She was baptized on the Red Lake reservation where she was known as “Muggs” Gillespie. The family moved to Minneapolis in 1945. It is here where she attended Central High School and met her husband. On April 17, 1950 she married William (Bill) Gothier. Together, the couple raised 11 children. The family moved to Fair Haven, MN in 1969 and then to Fergus Falls in 1976, where they divorced in the spring of 1977.

Margaret worked as a seamstress throughout her life. She was employed at Hylden Industries and North Wind Decoy in Fergus. Her co workers will recall her jokes and fun-loving ways. She loved attending rummage sales, trips to Wal-Mart, watching movies, collecting angels and playing games and solving crossword puzzles.

Loved by all and leaving a legacy of laughter and a lifetime of love’s lessons to all who were blessed to have known her, her presence will live on for generations. Margaret enjoyed family and laughter first and foremost and dedicated her life to the teaching of her children and grand children. You truly are our sunshine Mama, and you will live in our hearts and souls forever.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Gary Gothier; grandson, Christopher Gothier; a great grandson, Coltan Wudtke and a brother, Alexander (Sandy) Gillespie.

She is survived by 10 children, Greg (Irene) of St. Cloud, Susie (Curt) Odden of Clear Lake, Lisa (Scott) Holen of Watertown, MN, David (Patty) of Fair Haven, Patty (Troy) Veitenheimer of Bloomington, Rick (Donna) of Cold Spring, Mike and Tom of St. Cloud, Tim (Jennifer) of Fergus Falls and Robert of St. Cloud; 18 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Service: Monday, November 28, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., at the Broen Light & Life Auditorium in Fergus Falls

Visitation: One hour prior to the services at the Broen Light & Life Auditorium

Clergy: Chaplain Ken Austin

Interment: To be planned at a later date

Arrangements are with the Faith & Hope Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.