Rockford Register Star, Thursday, April 22, 2004/Rockford, Illinois/Page 17
Margaret May Niemeier, 96
Loving mother
LENA - Margaret May Niemeier, 96, of Lena died Monday morning, April 19, 2004, in her home after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. This had been her home since she was less than a year old. Born Oct. 2, 1907 in Lena, the daughter of Gertrude A. (Brown) and Henry C. Biesemeier. Margaret married Charles O. Niemeier June 13, 1931, in Lena; he died Jan. 16, 1945. She graduated from Lena High School in 1926, and took secretarial correspondence courses from Brown's Business College. Margaret and husband, Charles, farmed near Lena on the farm where she lived until her death. After Charles' death, Margaret assumed the management and daily operations of the farm until 1958. She then worked as a cook for Lena-Winslow School District for 20 years, retiring in 1978, and also continued to manage the farm. She was a lifelong member of Amity Lutheran Church and then Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lena. Other memberships included Stephenson County Farm Bureau, Lena Area Historical Society and Lena Friendship Club.
Survivors include daughter, Karen Niemeier of Lena; sister-in-law, Lydia (Dale) Porter of Freeport; four nieces; several great-nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Also predeceased by parents; a sister-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a niece and nephew.
Margaret enjoyed doing for others, and lovingly cared for her parents for many years. Her interest included music, cooking, flowers and gardening. A very active lady until her late 80's, Margaret enjoyed many years of traveling with her daughter, attending concerts and plays and working with her in many activities and projects. Margaret and Karen appreciated the loving and professional care she received from her Home Health Care nurse, Judy Christensen. They also thank Dr. Tawfik and CNA Theresa Turner for the care they gave Margaret throughout her illness.
Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22, in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lena, with the Rev. Roger Hurlbut officiating. Interment in Lena Burial Park. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, in Leamon Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St., and before service Thursday at the church. A memorial has been established in her name.