Margaret (Marge) Pentony
1936-2023
Marge had been a resident of Ridgecrest since 1998, moving here from Phoenix, Ariz.; living there for approximately 20 years. Prior to that she lived in northern Wisconsin.
She passed away peacefully at home due to natural causes at the age of 86. Most of her life Marge was self-employed, with her belated husband she owned and operated several beer/family taverns located in Price and Taylor counties in northern Wisconsin.
Marge was a hard-working lady always asking if she could help. Her hard-working ethic began when she was born on the family farm in Phillips. There were always plenty of chores to attend to. In her late teens she joined other family members in the Milwaukee area where she found factory employment working at Oster & Abbott Laboratories. Then she went on to work at a Supper Club where she met her husband Lyle, who worked there as a chef. They were married in 1956.
Moving away from the cities, in 1960 they bought their first tavern on Main Street in Phillips. The Beer Hut was the beginning of a pattern of business ownership and building up successful businesses. Marge and her husband had a way to build a fun loving, family-oriented customer base. Softball and billiard teams offered socialization, hosting local bands and even beach parties. Always supporting local communities. Many customers became dear friends.
The final business of five was a tavern in Stetsonville, Lyle & Marge’s. The customers were a more diverse age group, and enjoyment was had by all. Marge handled many of the business details with tavern ownership. She made it all look so effortless. After about 6 years she & Lyle “sold” the business to move to the southwest for health reasons.
When they settled in Phoenix, Lyle went back to being a chef, Marge became part sous chef, part checkout clerk, part fill-in as needed.
Marge remained in Phoenix for several years after her husband passed away in 1983. She also started working at a drug store and began cleaning apartments after construction and homes. Near the mid ‘80s Marge’s world turned upside down! The Stetsonville tavern had been “sold” under a land contract. The bank was prepared to foreclose the contract. Marge needed to return to Wisconsin and take over the business herself. The tavern now also had a kitchen and could serve food. With the help of family and some friends she cleaned the place up and once again built up a successful business, Marge’s Bar. Lunches were served Mon-Fri, as was a limited all day menu. Her days & nights were terribly long, she was fortunate to get 1 day a week off. This eight-month stint was physically demanding, yet Marge came out of the ordeal strong with some long-lasting & dear friendships. Returning to Phoenix Marge went back to cleaning homes for her customers.
Then Marge moved to Ridgecrest to be closer to family. Once in Ridgecrest, Marge soon again, built up a strong clientele for cleaning homes, still working into her mid-70s. Initially she moved in with Joni & Jim to first get the lay of the Ridgecrest land while she looked for an apartment. Jim and Joni offered her the option to stay with them and she accepted. They became a close family along with any puppy dogs that were there at the time. Originally NOT a dog lover, it did not take long for the various dogs to win over Marge’s heart. It was a wonderful 24+ years together!
Business ownership did not lend itself to providing opportunities for Marge to have any hobbies. In her early years she bowled and played softball. Once in Ridgecrest she enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, and “her” puppies. She often joked about being the proud “owner” (one share) of the Green Bay Packers. All through her life, Marge always made time for her many brothers and sisters. Family visits and phone calls filled Marge with joy and her face would light up just talking about them.
Survived by her daughter, Joni Pentony (Wangemann); and son-in-law, James Wangemann both of Ridgecrest, Calif. Her remaining brother and sisters are residents of Wisconsin, Anthony (Tony) (Dottie) Turicek of Waukesha, and two sisters, Ms. Helen Pass of Waukesha, Mrs. Pete (Pep) Stachowiak of Racine.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna Turicik; her husband, Lyle Pentony; brothers, Joseph Turicik, Steve, Andy, and John Turicek; and sisters, Agnes Turicik, Veronica Donavan, Marion Masters.
Marge enjoyed family, friends, wine, and life. She was a person who brought out enjoyment to those whom she interacted with. Truly a remarkable, touching, memorable lady. Marge was an awesome Mother, Sister & Aunt!
At her request there will be no services, with a private internment arranged through Holland & Lyons Mortuary.
Paid Obituary 138682
