Marguerite began her next journey in search of old friends and family members who had passed before her, stating recently that she would reunite with her second daughter, Susan, soon. While holding her hand and talking to Susan’s oldest daughter, Marguerite took her last breath Friday morning in Stanton where she has resided for the past few months.
Marguerite was born to Mary and Jules Sandoz Jr. on December 6, 1936, in Gordon, Nebraska. She was the youngest of three, Celia Barth, and Earnest Sandoz. Celia had five children who have given mom lots of great nieces and nephews. They lived in the Bar-C house which was later moved up the Willow Valley where Cash and Jeccca Ostrander live. The house was originally remodeled for Marguerite and her husband, David Widtfeldt, married September 6, 1958, to reside in. They had two daughters, Margaret Ann, (Brad, Reisdorff), and Susan Jean (Kevin Yadon). Later after remarrying in 1973, they had two more daughters, Billie Jo (Rex Wickman) and Jonni Davene.
Marguerite lived on the Willow Creek Ranch, and although she had to move in 1976, her heart never left the Sandhills. She was a true daughter of the Sandhills where her pioneer grandfather, Jules Sandoz, was a well-known settler who corresponded with and helped many immigrants relocate to Nebraska, many from his home country of Switzerland. Her green thumb was terrific, and she loved babies, calves, chickens, and babies. She carried a pet chicken around in Stanton and talked to the birds. She loved music, singing, dancing and playing the accordion and piano by ear.
Marguerite had several grandchildren, which she loved dearly. Annie’s children are Lynette (Randy Richardson), Eilene Goodale, and Daniel Linder. Susie’s children are Holly (Sean Gallian), Heather Yadon, and Hailey (Alan Wakefield). Holly has sons, Hayden and Drake Lyon, and Lazarus Gallian. Billie Jo has one son, Logan Schleicher, who has a daughter, Paislee. Jonni has two daughters, Rochel and Natalie Widtfeldt. Rochel has two children, Angel and Iriana Fonseca-Widtfeldt. Lynette has one daughter, K’leigh (Mitchell Harper). They have two children, Lincoln and Maisley.
Pallbearers are grandchildren, Levin Hagen, Logan Schleicher, Natalie Widtfeldt, Hayden and Drake Lyon, and Heather Yadon. Marguerite was at peace knowing she was going to be with family and friends and headed to the Sandhills in time for her 88th birthday.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 2, 2024, 2:00pm at the Morse Memorial Methodist Church, Rushville, Nebraska. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Rushville, Nebraska. A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.