Margaret E. "MARGE" Justus 96 of Holcombe; died on Wednesday; January 25th, 2017 at the Ladysmith Care Community where she has resided for 10 years.

She was a gracious lady and an incredibly strong woman.

Margaret, "MARGE" was born on June 16th, 1920 in Holcombe, the second child to Jesse & Kate Brown Taylor. After graduating from high school, she attended The School of Cosmetology in Eau Claire and graduated as a Beautician.

On July 12th, 1940, she married David Justus in Dubuque, IA and became a loving helpmate to her husband. Together they raised Registered Holsteins on their 640 acre dairy farm in Rusk County. They were recognized as having one of the best dairy farms in the county. They retired from farming in 1972. They were devoted to each other for 45 years until his death on November 23rd, 1985. Marge was a member of the Holcombe United Methodist Church. Her strong Christian faith was evident through-out her life and was modeled in her love and service to others.

She was preceded in death by her older infant brother George, her sisters Jessie M. Tennerman, Bonnie D. Pagenkopf, Sadie J. Mix, a brother Clifford B. Taylor, parents and many other family members and friends.

Marge was a loving, compassionate and understanding mother to 5 children: Herbert M. Justus who died in 1952, D. Ronald & Jean Justus of Onalaska; M. Joy & Roger Hopke of Woodbury, MN; James W. & Shelby Justus of Holcombe and Linda A. & James Bachar of Ladysmith. In addition to her children, she is survived by 8 grandchildren: David & Christi Justus, Margelyn & Matt Knoeck, Shannon & Matt Simpson, Jonathan & Teresa Hopke, Robin & Mike Lentz; Dawn Bachar, Kelly Justus & David Vance, Dana & Brandon Pahl and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Mildred E. Olson of Spooner and Beverly K. Depke of Eau Claire, a brother in law Harry & Donna Justus of Bainbridge, GA and a sister in law Ruth Justus of Ladysmith as well as many loving nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

Marge lived a full life and she was grateful for her many blessings. She enjoyed gardening, canning, crafts, lawn-mowing and reading. She was a great cook, her family and friends enjoyed many delicious meals along with a variety of baked goods that she served because "the coffee pot was always on" for all who stopped by for a visit. One of her most defining characteristics was that she always thought of others before herself. She had a special love for all her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, they brought much joy to her life.

We are blessed to have her in our lives, she will be dearly missed. After 96 1/2 years on this earth, she is now at home with her Lord and Savior.

Funeral Services for Marge will be held on Monday; January 30th, 2017 at 11:00 AM at The Holcombe United Methodist Church with Rev. Jason Kimm officiating. Burial will be in The Cornell Cemetery.

The Justus Family will receive friends at The Nash - Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith after 5:00 PM on Sunday and also at the Church on Monday for an hour prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers: Memorials in the name of Margaret E. Justus are requested for The Holcombe United Methodist Church.

" We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the entire staff at the Ladysmith Care Community for their exceptional care given to our mother for almost 10 years." - The family of Margaret E. Justus