Margaret Louise Bray

The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised. Margaret Louise Bray, a baptized and beloved child of God passed from this life on May 30th at Heartland House, Wautoma. Margaret was born August 1, 1931 to Rudolf and Florence (nee Cutts) Wegenke at their home in Wautoma Township. Margaret married Dever Lewis Bray in August, 1948 and shared her life with him for 62 years before his passing in 2011.

Margaret worked in food service in the Wautoma area when her children were older. Her first employment was at A&W, working evenings. Later she worked at the restaurant that was part of City Rec Lanes. Margaret’s favorite job was with Wautoma Memorial Hospital, until it closed. She then was employed by Wautoma Care Center and finally retired from the food service department at Wautoma High School thirty years ago.

Margaret was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wautoma. She was member of Altar Guild, Recycled Cards, the Planning Committee for the church’s 100th Anniversary, Greeter, Treasurer, Funeral Helper volunteer and a servant of the church in a variety of ways.

Margaret is survived by sons Steven (Fay) Bray, David (Diane) Bray, daughter Judy (Richard) Voigt, nine grandchildren, Daniel (Brionne) Bray, Aaron (Julie) Bray, Matthew (Theresa) Bray, Leanne (Kurt) Wege, Christopher (Courtnee) Hedrick, Joseph (Jennifer) Hedrick, Adam Bray, Isaac (Courtney) Bray, Hannah (Malcom Williams) Bray, Zachary Voigt, and Kathleen (Robert) Wilcox, 22 great grandchildren, brother Darwin (Irene) Wegenke, sister-in-law Doris Klusmeyer, and many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and their spouses: Edward & Martha, Leonard & Edna, William & Gertrude, Elmer & Irmgard, Alvin & Barbara, and sisters: Dorothy & Arthur Wruck, and Blanche Wegenke. In addition Chester died in infancy and Mabel as a toddler.

The funeral service will be Thursday, June 5th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wautoma at 11:00. Rev. Brian Rohde will officiate. Visitation will also be at the church from 9:30-10:45,. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Wautoma. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to a memorial which will be chosen at a later date.

Thank you to Heartland House for their compassionate care, Compassus Hospice and especially Vanessa during Margaret’s final days, Pastor Rohde and all the previous Pastors at Trinity that instilled in Margaret a life time of faith filled service.

Give thanks and praise to God, our heavenly Father.