Margaret H. Gramling

Margaret Helen (Chambers) Gramling, 80, of La Crescent, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Margaret was born on August 17, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Russell and Laura (Shanahan) Chambers. She grew up in Springville, Iowa and Mountain View, California. After high school graduation in 1963, she attended and received her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from St. Luke’s Nursing School in Cedar Rapids. She worked as a LPN at Cedar Rapids, IA, Oakland, CA, and then at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI. Margaret truly loved making her patients comfortable.

Margaret got married to Max Gramling on February 19, 1966 in Springville, IA. They lived and raised their three children in La Crescent, MN.

Margaret lived her life with zest! Even the most mundane daily happenings she made into an adventure. If you were to meet Margaret, be ready to spin and twirl with her! After leaving the nursing field, her time was filled with: antiquing, rummage sales, bingo, old world crafts, Packers, country music, and walks with her sweetheart. But her greatest joy and true passion was her family, grandchildren and lifelong friends.

She is survived by Max, her loving husband of 59 years; her children, Shana (Chris) Ladwig, Christopher (Missy) Gramling, and Robert (Margo) Gramling, and her cherished grandchildren, Sam and Sadie Gramling, Liam and Skylar Matter. She is also survived by her sister Judy Schell and brother Robert (Cathy) Chambers, brother-in-law Lyle (Judy) Gramling and sister-in-law Millie (Larry) Gramling; nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to our exceptionally caring and devoted hospice team from Emplify Health Hospice.

In accordance with Margaret’s wishes, a private family memorial gathering will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Emplify Health Hospice, 1900 S Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601.