Jeanne Margritz

Erma Jean “Jeanne” (Brandorff) Margritz went home to her Lord and Savior the morning of December 28, 2019 at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska at the age of 93.

Jeanne was born April 1, 1926 in Overton, Nebraska to George and Ada (Adams) Brandorff of Lexington, Nebraska.  She graduated from Lexington High School in 1944.  She married Charles “Chic” Franklin Margritz of Litchfield, Nebraska in Phillipsburg, Kansas on May 26, 1944.  Chic and Jeanne were devoted to each other for over 53 years.  To this union was born 4 children.

Jeanne was a wonderful lady who lived a life that exemplified Jesus.  She was a devoted wife, mother, sibling, grandmother, and friend to everyone. She will always be remembered for volunteering, helping those in need, being ‘dressed to the nine’, her creativity, and reflecting a heart of gold.  She was servant-hearted and a prayer warrior; volunteering her time for numerous organizations including Mid-Nebraska Community Action Board of Directors, 3 years as Vice Chairman of Extension Club, 3 years Co-Chairman of Extension Club, American Legion Auxiliary, 4-H Leader, Franklin Graham Shoe Box, and the Giving Tree.  Jeanne had a crafty bend, which resulted in baking and decorating numerous cakes for all occasions, making clothing and crafts, many of which were for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jeanne enjoyed a variety of occupations including 6 years at JCPenney, 23 years at the Food Pantry in Red Cloud, and 13 years at the Cheese Factory in Red Cloud.  She and Chic owned the Cheese House in Hastings and Red Cloud. Additionally she was a caregiver and performed various CNA jobs.  Jeanne and Chic were members of the First United Methodist Church and lived the majority of their lives in the Minden and Red Cloud communities.  They spent much of their free time creating homemade gifts (Chic with his woodwork and Jeanne with her craftiness) such as clocks, canes, pillowcase dolls, mop dolls, clothing, etc.  Their hospitality will be remembered by the numerous hunters hosted in their home, as well as, the many great memories of family get-togethers. Family will always remember all the special homemade gifts Chic and Jeanne made and the special birthday cards sent each year signed “We love you and God does too.”  When asked what Jeanne wanted her family to remember her for she said, “My family means very much to me.  I thanked God last night for the beautiful family He gave Dad & I.  I deeply love them all.”

Jeanne is survived by son, Tom Margritz of Kenesaw, Nebraska and Marilyn Margritz of Norfolk, Nebraska; son, Tim and wife Mary Margritz of Clermont, Florida; daughter, Charlene and husband Hi Lambert of Smith Center, KS; daughter, Cheri and husband Brad Gillett of Solomon, KS; brothers Leroy and wife Maria Brandorff of Port Orange, Florida and Jerry and wife Genny Brandorff of Kearney, Nebraska; sister, Shirley and husband Gene Luther of Albany, Oregon as well as 13 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles (Chic) Margritz of Red Cloud, Nebraska; parents, George and Ada Brandorff of Lexington, Nebraska; brother, George and sister-in-law Marilyn Brandorff of Kansas City, Kansas; sister, Betty and brother-in-law Howard Brown of Lexington, Nebraska; one infant grandson and one great grandson, Travis Wischmeier. 

Celebration of life services were Friday, 10:30 a.m., January 3, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud, Nebraska with Rev. Dennis Linton-Hendrick officiating.  Interment was at the Red Cloud Cemetery. 

The family requests memorial contributions suggested to the Webster County Food Pantry in lieu of flowers. 

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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