Margaret Marie (Van Overbeke) Engels was born May 30, 1920 one mile West of Minneota to Arthur and Wallie (Fier) Van Overbeke. She was baptized at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota.
The family then moved to a farm one half mile south of Taunton. She started school at Taunton Public School and made her First Communion at the new St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Taunton in 1928.
The family moved to a farm near Marshall when she was 12 years old. She finished 7th & 8th Grade at St. Joseph's Academy in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 1938. She worked at the Court House before getting married.
She was united in marriage to Lawrence Engels September 17, 1940 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. The couple lived on the Engels farm in Westerheim Township near Ghent. Margaret was an active member of St. Anne's Altar Society where she served as President, Secretary, and Dinner Chairman. She enjoyed the neighborhood Westerheim Extension Club, 500 card parties and bridge parties. Her favorite past time was crocheting afghans, which she did beautifully.
After she moved into assisted living at Madison Ave. Apts. in Minneota, she appreciated being able to attend Mass, Sunday Services, bingo & dice. She always looked forward to having her family stop by or take her out. Her grandchildren will remember playing bingo with her.
Survivors include her children Dennis (and Rita) of Ghent, Wallace (and Delores) of Minneota, Larry (and Paulette) of Alexandria, Mary Lee of Kansas City, and Tom (and Sharon) of Woodbury, 18 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, brother Paul (and Darlene) Van Overbeke of Marshall, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence and brother Walt (and Mary) and grandson Christopher.
Memorials preferred to Prairie Home Hospice of Marshall or St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent.
