Age 84. went into the arms of Jesus on February 26, 2023. She passed away surrounded by love and her family at Meadowbrook in Oconto Falls after a second courageous battle with cancer. Margaret Ann Downing was born in Marinette, WI on April 18, 1938 to John and Doris (Churchill) Downing, of Amberg, WI. Margaret graduated from Amberg High School in 1956 with honors and was then accepted into the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing program in Madison where she earned her Registered Nursing degree. She served as an army nurse in the Army Corp 32nd Red Arrow Division, based in Madison from 1959-1961 as a second lieutenant. She worked in numerous nursing roles throughout her career which she gave up “officially” when her daughter was born but never stopped “practicing”. Her saying was, once a nurse – always a nurse. She was known as “the town nurse” in Amberg and had countless stories of being called on in all hours of the day and night. She volunteered as “the camp nurse” at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp which was dear to her heart. She truly spent her lifetime caring for others.
Margaret Ann married Kenneth Richard Mattison on April 8th, 1961 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They loved beyond measure and shared that love with everyone they knew for almost 62 years together. They raised three children and thoroughly lived for their family time. They spent countless hours and created many memories at their home and their family cabin on the Pike River. Margaret helped Ken run Mattison Insurance Agency (in both Amberg and Marinette) and supported him in his elected roles as County Coroner and County Board Supervisor. She chose to take the backseat-as his biggest supporter. She was the wind beneath his wings and his own personal nurse.
Due to health problems in most recent years, they were forced to live apart for long periods of time. Their love story and commitment to each other is a testament to the vow of “in sickness and in health” and they were very grateful their daughter was able to reunite them for the last 6 months of Margaret’s life.
Margaret was a member of the Amberg Historical Society, which her father was instrumental in establishing and she spent countless hours serving as President thereby carrying on both families history and love of the Amberg area. She and Ken also preserved her grandfather Philip Downing’s home in Amberg, carrying on this legacy, which they retired back to in 1991. Her love of gardening is evident in the beautiful gardens she established at their home.
She was a member of the Amberg American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered for countless events there and in Amberg. It was obvious her Christian faith was important to her and she lived it everyday. She grew up in Amberg Presbyterian church and started accompanying piano at the age of 12. She taught Sunday School, youth group and women’s bible study’s. She was an original charter and long-time member of Interfaith Bible Fellowship where she played piano, organ, assisted with music and other functions and served as treasurer for many years. Margaret developed a love of music at an early age and enjoyed singing with Ken in church, at countless friend/family sing-a-longs, campfires, jams and with many groups across the U.S. in their travels in retirement. She was instrumental in organizing and playing for the Community Christmas Contata for years. She was honored to be voted Amberg’s Person of the Year in 2013. She was an amazing seamstress and could sew anything. She was a member of the Amberg/Athelstane Quilt Club and was an avid quilter making hundreds of quilts through the years, many of which will be displayed at her funeral.
Margaret Ann will long be remembered for her grace in all situations, genuine kindness, unwavering faith, quiet but remarkable strength and insurmountable love. She touched countless lives.
Margaret is survived by her husband Kenneth Sr: two children: Kenneth Mattison Jr. of Neenah and Colleen Mattison of Amberg; 6 grandchildren: Mitchell (Jenny) Grube, Mathew (Cara) Grube, Brittany (Jay) Servis, Aaron McGowan, Cody (Kelsey) Mattison and Hunter Mattison; 6 great grandchildren: Allison, Taylor, Emily, Ben, Aniston and Iris; 2 daughters-in-law: Lisa Mattison and Julie Mattison. She is further survived by numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Doris Downing; her in-laws Ruth and Matt Mattison; her son, Bruce Mattison; and her brother, John Downing II along with many, many close family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Amberg Community Center on Thursday, March 2nd from 10am until 12pm. Ken Jones will be officiating the funeral at 12 pm with a luncheon to follow. If you have been gifted a quilt Margaret made, please bring it before 10am to be displayed.
In lieu of flowers, there will be a memorial fund established for Lake Lundgren Bible Camp in her honor. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Meadowbrook and Compassus Hospice for their loving care.
Roubal Funeral Home of Wausaukee is assisting Margaret’s family with arrangements.
