Margaret Eileen Goetting, age 77, of Whitehall, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, after a long battle with colon cancer. She faced her illness with the same quiet strength and grace that defined her entire life.

Margaret was born on June 22, 1948 in La Crosse to Lance and Inga (Anderson) Allen. She grew up in La Crosse, where she graduated from Central High School in 1967. On January 18, 1969 she married the love of her life, Paul Goetting, and together they built a life filled with family, laughter and love.

Margaret found her calling in nursing, and in a moment that perfectly captured her spirit, she graduated from nursing school alongside her daughter, Robin, in 1992. The two of them went on to work together at the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center, where Margaret dedicated herself to caring for others until her retirement. It was the kind of work that came naturally to her, because caring for people was simply who she was.

Margaret will be remembered for her kind and generous nature. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, and she especially treasured the hours she spent looking after her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was a quiet afternoon at home or a family adventure, Margaret was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved.

When she wasn't at home, Margaret enjoyed testing her luck at the casino. She was particularly fond of trips to Laughlin, NV, a destination she shared with her husband, children and grandchildren over the years. Lady Luck was often on her side, which only made those trips all the more fun.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Paul Goetting of Whitehall; their daughter, Robin (Ralph) Edwards of Eau Claire; their sons, Joel (Alicia) Goetting of Independence and Chad Goetting of Blair; her brother, Ronald Allen; her sister, Lana Caldwell; twelve grandchildren, Samantha Engler, Aaron Engler, Christopher Klink, Lauryn Edwards, Kingston Edwards, Sarah Edwards, Rachel Edwards, Brookelyn Gee, Harley Benson, Katelyn Kulig, Cassie Sonsalla and Kylie Goetting;  nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lance and Inga Allen; her brother, Rodney Allen and her granddaughter, Megan Sonsalla.Margaret held a quiet faith that gave her comfort, and her family takes peace in knowing she is at rest and reunited with those who went before her.

Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched. Though she may be gone, a mother's love remains.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall. Pastor Terry Lorenz will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. A time of food and fellowship will follow from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Doghouse Bar & Grill in Whitehall.

The family welcomes all who knew and loved Margaret to come together, share a story, and celebrate a life well lived.