Margaret M. Joneson, 88, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Her funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Kahler Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be on Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Margaret was born on June 17, 1929 to Herman and Mary Olson. She graduated from Dell Rapids High School and attended Nettleton College. She married Myron Joneson on January 19, 1951. They lived in San Diego and Honolulu while Myron served in the Marines. Upon his discharge, they came back to farm near Dell Rapids.
Many people will remember Margaret by her kitchen, not just the quality of food that was prepared in it but also by the quantity, serving family and friends, whether planned or drop ins, at any time of day. As the wife of a farmer who was active in the community, mealtime revolved around his schedule and yet she could make it seem like that was the plan all along. She had the gift of hospitality and a wide variety of people have been blessed by it.
After her own kids were grown, she started caring for young children of other families in the neighborhood. When grandsons Michael and Brooks came along, they often spent summers at Grandpa and Grandma’s and a new generation experienced the blessings of living in Margaret’s Kitchen.
She enjoyed traveling anywhere, especially to see family; bowling, until arthritis took the fun out of it; and playing cards with anyone that could hold a hand.
Grateful to God for having been blessed by her nurturing are her son, Mark and his wife, Linda; her daughter, Mary; her grandchildren, Michael, Brooks and Ali and her sister, Evelyn Pederson.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Myron, son, Mike, daughter-in-law, Roxene, son-in-law, Bud Purvis and an infant sister, Edith.