Margaret was born October 18, 1936 to Amanda (Burger) and Frederick Welsh in Des Moines, Iowa. She grew up on East side of Des Moines and had fond memories of family and neighborhood friends to her last breath. Margaret was a 1955 graduate of East High School in Des Moines. She met John Robert "Bob" Wilber at Armstrong Tire & Rubber and later married in 1958 and moved to Davenport, IA. Margaret and Bob had two children, Holly and Matthew. They provided a loving home for the children. As a young mother, Margaret enthusiastically participated in a variety of school and sports activities as well as numerous extracurricular activities with the kids. She later worked at Warren and Litzenberger eventually retiring from Quint Cities Petroleum in 1992.
Margaret was a member of the Davenport YMCA for 45 years. She was a devoted member of Edwards Congregational Church for 58 years. She always spoke of how grateful she was to have met so many wonderful people through these activities. Margaret was also an amateur artist working with multiple media to provide a variety of memorable family treasures.
Margaret was a real trooper. We drug her to Canada fishing numerous times only to have her show us how it is done on more than one occasion. Thinking back now, the 12-hour drive together was as good as the best day fishing. Margaret was a devoted mother and grandmother. Nothing was more important than the affairs of her three granddaughters. She loved scurrying around to attend sports and school activities all over again. Margaret and Bob loved to dance. They were members of the No Name Dance Club, The Rock Island Arsenal Club and The Outing Club over the years and just recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Thank you to Clarissa Cook Hospice House nurses, staff, volunteers and Dr. Sorensen whom have been just spectacular to our family for the second time in 6 months. Thank you to Dr. Constantinou and his Unity Point team. Thank you to Ridgecrest Village and Visiting Angels for their care and compassion. Bonnie, we cannot thank you enough. Thank you everyone for all the visits, cards, well wishes and prayers.
Margaret is survived by her husband J. R. "Bob" Wilber, son Dr. Matthew (Kristin) Wilber and granddaughters Chase (Michael) Walsh, Madeleine Wilber and Olivia Wilber. Margaret is also survived by her sister Barbara and niece Michele, nephew Michael and extended family.
Margaret was preceded in death by her daughter Dr. Holly K. Wilber-Chase (January 27, 2023) and great grandson Brantley Walsh (July 5, 2022).
Visitation will be Friday, August 11th at 10:00 AM at Edwards Congregational Church on 3420 Jersey Ridge Rd., Davenport, IA 52807. Service and light luncheon to follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Edwards Congregational Church of Davenport, IA.
