Margaret E. Downing, 82, of Janesville passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at St. Elizabeth Manor in Footville, Wis.
The daughter of Clyde and Esther (Olson) Stoikes, she was born June 11, 1930, in Ontario. She grew up in the Ontario area and graduated from Ontario High School. She married Donald L. Downing on July 19, 1952. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2012. Margaret and her husband formerly operated the Little Donut Shop, and she later worked as a bookkeeper for Kmart. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending winters in Arizona. Above all else, spending time with her family was her greatest joy.
Surviving are three children, Jeffery (Lucille) Downing of Reedsburg, Wis., Staryl (Michael) Hanson of Janesville, and Kimberly (Kenneth) Baschleben of Janesville; six grandchildren, Amber Downing, Kyle Hanson, Stephanie (Chris) Bankes, Cody Hanson, Ryan (Lauren) Downing and Zachary Downing; one great-granddaughter, Natalie Bankes; and a very close cousin who was like a sister, Ardys Bredlow. In addition to her husband and parents, Margaret was preceded in death by another cousin who was like a sister, Sadie Peterson.
Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Grace Community Church, 100 Monroe St., Ontario. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Visitation in Ontario will be at the church from 12 p.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario and the Henke-Clarson Funeral Home in Janesville are assisting the family with arrangements.
