Margaret “Marge” Anne (Terrill) Stracka passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 7, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born on November 4, 1931, to Merle and Thelma (Potterton) Terrill in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Growing up on the family farm taught her the value of a strong work ethic, resilience, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She loved riding her favorite horse, Tex, jumping fences together, herding the cows back to the barn for milking, and gathering wildflowers along the way.

At Mineral Point High School, Marge played saxophone in the high school band and was named prom queen. After graduating in 1949, she continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, earning a degree in Merchandising from the UW School of Home Economics in 1953. Marge was a proud member of Kappa Delta sorority, was honored as Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, and made history as one of the university’s first female cheerleaders. It was also at UW that Marge met Anthony “Tony” J. Stracka. In her own words, the best day of her life was marrying Tony on January 15, 1955, at the Methodist Church in Mineral Point. Marge and Tony were married for 62 wonderful years.

Marge spent her professional life teaching home economics, but her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted homemaker and mother who raised three children, John, Tim, and Susie in Madison, Wisconsin. She created a home where family and friends were always welcomed, fed, and loved. Marge was the kind of mother who was always there, encouraging, listening, and celebrating her children and grandchildren. She was, in every sense, the family’s biggest cheerleader.

Marge filled her life with friends, social gatherings, playing cards, polka dancing, and hosting potlucks. She loved volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital and local and state fairs, sharing her expertise by judging clothing and food. She was stylish, always keeping her clothes and hair in fashion, and exceptionally talented with a needle and thread. Marge could sew nearly anything and often made her own clothes, including her wedding gown. Her talents extended into the kitchen, where she was an outstanding cook and baker. Sundays often meant apple crisp, chocolate chip cookies, and her famous rhubarb pie. She perfected her chicken pot pie and “Stracka” salad, which became family favorites. Her recipes and the memories created around them will live on for generations.

In her golden years, Marge and Tony spent Wisconsin winters in the sunshine of San Diego and Florida, enjoying warm days and beautiful sunsets. Summers were spent at their beloved cabin on Lake Owen, nestled among the northern Wisconsin woods. There, she enjoyed long cruises on the float boat, fishing, admiring hummingbirds, and listening to the loons.

Marge will be remembered above all for her kindness, grace, sense of humor, and Badger pride. She had a gift for storytelling and was the heart of her family. If Marge could leave one final lesson with those she loved, it would be simple: be kind, be loving, be sincere, and always be grateful. She lived those words every day.

Marge is survived by her loving children, John, Tim, and Susie; her eight adoring grandchildren, Renee, Ben, A.J., Maggie, Abby, Hunter, Nick, and Sammy; and her four great-grandchildren, John, Logan, JB, and Madi. Her greatest legacy is the family she loved so fiercely, who will carry her stories, recipes, traditions, and love forward.

A private celebration of Marge’s life will be held in the fall, in true Badger style, on the farm where she was born and raised. All donations can be made online through the UW Foundation website (support-uw.org) by designating the Spirit Squad Fund as the gift designation. Donations may also be sent by mail with a check payable to the UW Foundation, specifying “Spirit Squad” in the memo line.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to All Saints for every smile, gentle touch, conversation, and act of kindness shown to Marge during her three years there. You brought comfort not only to Marge, but to her entire family. The family also extends its sincere gratitude to SSM Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided.

“On, Wisconsin! Over the river. Until we meet again.”

Please share your memories by posting in Marge's guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434