Marceda D. Martalock–Hansen, 96, of Tomah died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at Tomah Memorial Hospital.
She was born on Sept. 29, 1915, to Elmuth and Delia (Steinke) Martalock in Ontario. She was baptized and confirmed in to the Christian faith at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Ridge. She attended South Ridge Grade School. On May 15, 1943, Marceda was united in marriage to Fred Hansen in Milwaukee. As a young girl, Marceda worked alongside her father on the family farm. She never shied away from hard work and often could be found in the fields, harvesting corn, or out in the woods, cutting logs. She moved to the Milwaukee area in 1937 and worked as a housekeeper for some time and later was employed by a local factory during World War II. Prior to retirement, Marceda worked for the Boston Store as a sale associate.
After retirement, Marceda and Fred relocated back to the Tomah area. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, making crafts and working on sewing projects. Together Marceda and Fred loved traveling to Florida for vacation and to other various places around Wisconsin to visit with friends and family.
The farm life that she so dearly loved was never too far from her heart. In retirement, she put to use the skills that she had learned as a young girl, growing delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers in her garden. Although Marceda never had children of her own, she showered her nieces and nephews with the unconditional love of a mother. She had a kind and gentle spirit and was always willing to give a helping hand or to lend an understanding ear to listen.
She is survived by a brother, Frank (Darlene) Martalock of Ontario, and two sisters-in-law, Darleen Martalock of Tomah and Grace Hanson of Camp Douglas. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Elmuth “Bud” and Albert; two sisters, Leona Preuss and Ruby Rydzewski; an infant sister, Bernice; and two brothers-in-law, Roy Pruess and Edwin Rydzewski.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 310 W. Elizabeth St., Tomah. Pastor David Dahl will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call Tuesday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
