Margaret was born to parents Louis and Lorraine Kappel on December 19, 1927, in Madison, WI. In 1951, she married her Madison East High School sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Bailey. They resided together in West Milwaukee, WI, West Allis, WI and in 1968 they moved to their final family home in Whitewater, WI. Margie and Dick each retired from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1990 after long fulfilling careers. Through all those years there was also endless time spent with family and friends at John’s Lake in Wautoma, WI. In 2013, Margie moved to Lakeville, MN near her son Mark for the remainder of her years.
Margie’s family was blessed by a person that defined the true meaning of selfless love. Margie was a loving and devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She welcomed and included with an open heart all others that were part of the family. Her greatest joy was being with her family, spending time together, and watching each of them grow. She was very proud of them all. Margie’s kindness and generosity also touched many friends, relatives, and acquaintances throughout her life. Those people as well had a special place in Margie’s heart. She often shared special stories of wonderful times and experiences spent together. These memories will be with us for generations to come.
Margie is survived by her four children, Gregg (Debbie) Bailey, Liberty Township, OH; Mark (Heidi) Bailey, Lakeville, MN; Nancy Long, Simpsonville, SC; and Jane (Dan) Becker, Whitewater, WI. She has ten grandchildren; Mitch Bailey, Amanda Bailey, Kristen Olson, Nick Bailey, Tori Bailey, Brandon Long, Jordan Long, Casey Becker, Cody Becker, and Chad Becker and six precious great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; brother Herbert Kappel, and granddaughter Shelby Long.
The family is very grateful for all of the thoughtfulness and heartfelt condolences. A private burial is being held at a later date.
Any memorials in Margie’s honor can be directed to:
St. Croix Hospice, c/o Margaret Bailey Memorial, 7200 Hudson Blvd., Suite 230, Oakdale, MN 55128
or
UW-Whitewater Foundation, c/o Richard Bailey Endowment, Hyer Hall 423, 800 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190
