Margaret Ann Dexter, 90, of Eau Claire passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at the Syverson Lutheran Home from complications of a recent stroke. Margaret had been a resident of the Grace's Garden Alzheimer's Unit for the past six years.\r\nShe was born in Eau Claire on October 17, 1917, to William and Rose (Prueher) Klawiter. She graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School and was subsequently employed by a local law firm.\r\nShe was an avid tennis player and once won the title of Eau Claire Women's Singles Tennis Champion. It was on the tennis courts that she met her husband, Larry Dexter. Margaret and Larry were married in Eau Claire on July 15, 1939. They celebrated 66 years of marriage prior to Larry's death in November 2005. \r\nMargaret's life was devoted to giving to and helping others in need. She drove people to doctors and shopping, visited them in their homes, was very active in Triniteam, and volunteered at the Syverson Home. An excellent cook, Margaret loved to entertain. She hosted many parties in her home, which was always decorated around a theme. Margaret was very artistic and creative and enjoyed various arts and crafts. She also was an avid bridge player. \r\nMargaret was a life-long, active member of St. Patrick's Church. She served as president of the Catholic Women's Club, and received an award recognizing her dedication to the organization. Margaret co-founded "The Brady Bunch" a group of churchwomen named after the long-time pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Msgr. Francis Brady. She did volunteer work, raising money for charitable causes and rolling bandages for Third World countries.\r\nMargaret is survived by her three sons, Daniel Dexter of Madison, WI; David Dexter (and his wife, Joyce) of Alexandria, VA; Thomas Dexter (and his wife, Joneen) of Winter, WI; two daughters, Diane Flynn (and her husband, Patrick) of Madison, WI; and Peggy DeVoe (and her husband, Robert) of New Auburn, WI; four grandchildren, Aeron Adams, Kelly Anne Flynn, David Dexter, and Ryan Dexter; and one great-grandchild, Madeline Adams.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry in 2005; three sisters, Helen Dillett, Gertrude Newman, and Rose Klawiter; and one brother, Edmund Klawiter.\r\nMass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Valentine and Deacon Larry J. Agema at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. There will be a visitation for family and friends at the church prior to the service, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.\r\nThe family extends warm and heart filled thanks to the Grace's Garden staff, who loved Margaret and invariably cared for her with kindness, tenderness, and humor. Larry, who was also a resident at the Syverson Home, spent much of his day at Grace's Garden to be with Margaret. The staff loved them both and were truly dedicated to the happiness and well-being of this very special couple. We are especially indebted to Ruth Frisk, who advocated for Margaret in many ways during her stay at the Syverson. \r\nThe family would also like to thank the entire "Syverson Family" staff, St. Joseph's Hospice, and Doctor Philip Jacoby, for all their compassionate care and loving support. Margaret touched the lives of many and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.\r\nMemorials will be designated in Margaret's name to charities to be chosen at a later date.

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