If you have stopped at the checkout at Nilssen’s Foods in Ellsworth you probably know Margaret Volenec. This petite little lady always has a smile and is willing to share it. If you ask her how she is doing, she is quick to say “Fabulous.” That greeting puts a smile on everyone’s face, even behind a Covid Mask. As Margaret says, “You know they’re smiling by their eyes!”

This little bundle of energy seems to be all over the community of Ellsworth. You never know where this very social gal will show up next.

She is very active in community groups and has worked at many establishments over the years. As she says “Each group represents a different set of friends,” adding, “I like being out there”.

Margaret has tended bar at the Bluffs In Hager City, Broz and the East Ender in Ellsworth and at Red Barn in Spring Valley for Jeff and Merry Hines.

She is also very active in community volunteering. At the Ellsworth Lions Club she worked on Coats for Kids, the Gift Box program and Eye Testing for kids.

Margaret has been active in traffic control at the Pierce County Fair since 2007. When Peggy Nelson stepped down as coordinator Margaret took on that responsibility. She has been active at the Fair for a total of 12 years.

The most jobs she has had at one time was the Ellsworth Public Library, Common Man Tap and Table and the Pierce County Fair. She even sold Packer/Viking tickets for the Lions Club. She says, “I would get done with one job, change my shirt and go to the next one.”

One of her volunteer jobs she just loves is as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army at Nilssen’s Foods. She works her full time shift at the store and puts on her vest and collects money at the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle. She schedules shifts not only at Nilssen’s but also at the Creamery.

Over the years Margaret did bell ringing stints at Shopko, Nilssen’s, the Creamery and Holiday Station.

Also on her extensive resume is the Ellsworth Public Library and a stretch at Mc-Donalds in Ellsworth.

So what motivates this energizer bunny? The answer is simple. “I feel fortunate to be with people and love to mix with people,” Says Margaret, adding “I just want to be involved.”

Margaret Mueller Volenec was born and raised in River Falls. She lived in River Falls until 5th grade when they moved to Hammond where she graduated from St. Croix Central High.

Margaret has three grown children, Allison who is an RN at HCMC, Devon, who is single and pulled a shift in Iraq, and Lauren, who is married and lives in San Diego. She works as a dance instructor. Lauren got her start in dance at Helmer Dance Studio in Beldenville and Hudson where she went on to teach dancing before moving to California.