Magaret J. Nienstedt

Margaret Jeanne Walkup Nienstedt, 97, of Crystal Lake passed away October 4, 2015 at Fair Oaks Nursing Home in Crystal Lake. She was born February 24, 1918 in Woodstock to Harold and Helen (Cretcher) Walkup.

Margaret was raised on the original 1836 Walkup homestead between Crystal Lake and Woodstock. She graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School, and earned a Bachelors degree in teaching at Northern Illinois University. She taught elementary school for 26 years, primarily at North school in Crystal Lake. She belonged to many teaching and civic organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, PEO, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was an avid Bridge player for decades before, and into her nineties. She belonged to many bridge clubs. Margaret was first a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ridgefield, Il., along with her Mother and Father, and then later became a life long member of the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake where she inspired the congregation often, and made a difference to many.

Her passion was writing, and she was a published poet. Toward the end of her life, she compiled a volume of 86 poems, and self published her works with the help of her daughter Margaret, and grand daughter Mary Margaret.

Margaret traveled the world with her dearest friend and companion Carmel Price, and together, they enriched all who were lucky enough to know them. She lived a long, productive, honest, and loving life.

She wanted to be remembered for her fair and compassionate ways with her students, her ability to get along with others, her compassion and ability to listen, and her never ending sense of humor. She will be remembered for all of this, and much, much more.

Margaret is survived by her children, Margaret Helen (Richard) Jones and Richard Nienstedt; her grandchildren, Amanda Flohr, Christine Stratton, Elisabeth Flohr, Mary Margaret Vasquez, Katherine C. Jones; and her four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear cousin Helen Lee Reid and husband Howard, and Helen Lee’s children Elizabeth and Nancy. In addition, Margaret is survived by the members of the Carmel Price family, of Crystal Lake, who became Margaret’s family for 40 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her dear Carmel Price.

A memorial service will be at 3pm on Sunday, October 11 at the First Congregation Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake.

Arrangements entrusted to Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home. For information call the funeral home at 815-459-1760. Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.