Margaret (Kane) Jantz

Margaret “Muggs” (Kane) Jantz, age 96, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at home on the farm with her family by her side.

Margaret, the first of Clement and Lucia (Vining) Kane’s three daughters, was born January 24, 1930 in Boscobel. Following the tragic passing of her young mother, Margaret and her sister, Betty, lived with various family members while baby sister Mary was raised by other relatives. In grade school, Margaret formed deep friendships with Frannie Wilson and Nancy Cone that endured for more than 80 years. In 2^nd grade, Frannie nicknamed her “Muggs”, a nickname that lasted for the rest of her life. During her early teens, Muggs got a job working in downtown Baraboo at the Alpine Restaurant where she developed a strong work ethic along with a love for a chocolate malt with a hamburger on bread.

Margaret met her future husband Harry while attending Baraboo High School from which they both graduated in 1948. Harry, with a characteristic twinkle in his eye said, “I figured you should find a smart woman and stick with her.” Following his own advice, he and Muggs shared 60 good years of marriage together before his passing in 2009.

Life for Margaret involved hard work including farming, working at Badger Ordnance, and driving school bus for 25 years. She found joy in dancing, playing cards, singing in church choir, acting in Theatre Guild productions, knitting, sewing, and reading.

Margaret is survived by daughters, Carolynn (Charles) Koberstein, Gail (Mark) Barnes, and Susan (Timothy) Schultz; daughters-in-law, Susan Jantz and Barbara Jantz; and brother-in-law, Norman Zemel. She is further survived by seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harry; sons, Stuart and Kevin; granddaughter, Julie; sisters, Betty and Mary; three brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.

A Celebration of Margaret’s Life will be held at New Life Community Church, 1919 Elizabeth Street in Baraboo, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jesse Stevens officiating.  A time of fellowship in the church hall will follow. Private Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery.

 Memorials may be made to the Baraboo Theatre Guild or to the Baraboo Public Library.

 A special thanks to Agrace Hospice for their support and care.

Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.