Margaret Alice Winkle Schmidt, 89, residing in Tabitha Cove House in Lincoln, went to her heavenly home on February 24, 2023.   Margaret was born on April 2, 1933 in Beatrice, NE to Milo and Wilma Winkle.  She lived on a farm near Pickrell, NE until she was 8 years old when the family moved to a farm near Dewitt.  Margaret was baptized on September 3, 1933 at the United Brethren Church in Pickrell and was confirmed at Clatonia Methodist Church on April 14, 1946.  She graduated from Dewitt High School in 1950 and then attended classes at Peru State College and University of NE.

Margaret married Dale Schmidt on October 19, 1952 in Clatonia.  She and Dale made their home on a farm south of Crete, NE in 1953 where they lived for 65 years until moving to Lincoln in 2018.  While on the farm, they were blessed with 3 children.

Margaret faithfully cared for her family with delicious cooking and baking, enjoyed having a large garden, and helped with all of the many farm tasks.  Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many.

Margaret and Dale were members of Bethlehem Lutheran in Crete where Margaret was active in Mary Circle and quilting groups and also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  In her later years, she served in the Elderly Care for Others group.  Margaret knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior and loved spending time in His word.

Margaret enjoyed sewing, crafts, reading, and gardening.  Her greatest love was spending time with her family especially Dale, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 70 years, Dale Schmidt, her children - Steve (Phyllis) Schmidt of Beatrice, Kevin (Linda) Schmidt of Bonita Springs, FL and Shari (Jess) Knoth of Olathe, KS, grandchildren – Amy (Dan) Hennings of Omaha, Kyle Knoth of Mission, KS, Jessica (Mickey) Vest of Skidmore, MO, Matt (Taylor) Schmidt of Beatrice, Kristen (Michael) Loney of Overland Park, KS, and Luke (Erin) Schmidt of Edmond, OK, and great grandchildren – Cooper and Emma Schmidt, Annabelle, Abigail and Adaline Vest, Caleb, Noah, and Stephen Loney, and Barrett and Charley Schmidt.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ruth Nash and Phyllis Chance, and grandson, Justin Dale Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM.  A private family burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Dewitt. The family requests donations be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.