Margaret L. Arntson, age 89, of Rice Lake, WI, died July 1, 2025.

Margaret Louise Thompson was born on May 18, 1936 in Duluth, MN, to Quintin and Mae (Isabella) Thompson. She spent almost all of her life in Spooner, WI, spent many summers as a prize worker for the A&W Root Beer Stand, and graduated from Spooner High School in 1954.She attended UW Madison for one year, transferred to UW Eau Claire, and completed her BS degree in 1958. She taught 3rd grade in Manitowoc for one year. In December of 1958 Margaret married Wayne Arntson in Spooner. They moved to Rice Lake, WI, where Wayne taught at the high school.

In December of 1959 Kimberly Sue Arntson arrived to bless the family. Two plus years later, 1962, Sheri Ann Arntson was born to complete the matched set of beautiful girls. Margaret took several years off from work to raise the kids. She was later invited to teach part time after both children were in school. The job developed, and eventually she went to work full time. Meanwhile, she took various graduate courses, including reading courses, and eventually became a full time reading teacher, sometimes traveling from one school to another. During those years, Margaret accompanied her husband and encouraged him, as he continued his education at various schools. Without her assistance, he would never have made it.

Margaret had many good friends and enjoyed her time with them. She loved playing cards and was an expert decorator, transforming drab rooms into lovely spaces. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were favorites, of course, and she always remarked how good-looking and bright they all were.

She was loved by many and will be dearly missed Survived by her husband of 66 years, Wayne Arntson, and daughter, Sheri (John) Reiff. Six grandchildren Travis, Tyler (Kalpana), Taylor, Daniel, Andrew (Jennifer), Zak, and four great-grandchildren, Allison, Emma, Parson, and Paxton. Two sisters, Helen and Mary, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by daughter Kimberly, parents Quintin and Mae Thompson, and brother, Louis Joe.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM, Saturday, July 12, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, WI, with Rev. Sue Eidahl officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Saturday.

Last Update: Jul 07, 2025 7:20 am CDT