MARGARET HARNESS

Late Thursday evening, Margaret M. Harness of Neenah, entered the arms of her loving Savior. Margaret passed away in her Town of Clayton home on September 6, 2012, surrounded by her family. Thankfully, Margaret was able to live her life to the fullest, and spent little time dealing with the illness that ended her time in this world. To Margaret, living life to the fullest meant heading outdoors daily. Her beautifully tanned skin reflected her love of working outdoors in the gardens throughout her yard. Springtime always brightened her spirits, as it meant she could finally bring to life the new perennial beds that she had been designing and planning throughout the winter. Clearly, working outdoors among plants provided joy to Margaret, but for many years it also provided an income. She and her husband Jim shared their love of growing by working side by side in a greenhouse business. From there they transitioned into raising and selling various produce vegetables. Later, they directed their love of growing toward strawberries. They ran a pick-your-own strawberry farm at their home, west of Neenah, for over 30 years. Growing beautiful (and delicious!) plants was not Margarets only gift. She was also blessed with remarkable sewing skills; in particular, she adored sewing quilts. A founder of a local quilt guild, and a member for over 20 years, she created countless family heirlooms, gifts, wall hangings, and simply useful quilts. Margaret loved to attend quilt shows, and more than a few of her quilts were honored with prizes. Margaret was born in Appleton, October 10, 1935, to the late Andrew and Anna Muehlenbein. She married her dear husband, James Harness, on September 5, 1964, and together they raised two children. For three years, Margaret has been saddened by the loss of Jim, who preceded her in death in August of 2009. Also preceding her in death are three siblings, Bob Muehlenbein, Agnes Kohl, and Joe Muehlenbein, as well as, two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Kohl and Lloyd Peterson, one sister-in-law, Mary Harness, and father and mother-in-law, Everett and Imogene Harness. Surviving are Margarets two children and their spouses, Elaine (Kevin) Larabee, Greg (Wendy) Harness; six grandchildren, Andrea and Joey Larabee; Cody, Laura, Daniel, and Aaron Harness; five siblings, Marcella Peterson, John (Micky) Muehlenbein, Helen Slinger, Frank (Alice) Muehlenbein, Paul (Ione) Muehlenbein, one sister-in-law, Bev Muehlenbein, and many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Mass for Margaret will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church with Father Larry Seidl officiating. Friends will be received at the church on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until the hour of service.