Margaret passed away on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at Faith Health Hospital in Norfolk. Stonacek Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Margaret was born Margaret Phyllis Behrens on July 1, 1929, in Pierce. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Plainview, and graduated from Plainview High School. She continued her education at Concordia University in Seward, and later taught at the country school and Immanuel Lutheran School in Osmond before marrying the love of her life, James 'Jim' Broekemeier. Margaret and Jim were married for 74 years and made their home near, and later in, Osmond. Together, they raised five children and built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others. Margaret was a devoted homemaker and wife, but her caring nature extended well beyond her own family. She regularly visited with residents of the nursing home, worked as the custodian at Immanuel Lutheran Church, made dozens of quilts for the church and her family, was a member of Ladies Aid and Lutheran Women's Missionary League, and was an avid blood donor, quietly giving to the people and community. Margaret and Jim were blessed with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her family will remember the moments that made her impeccably clean home a place of comfort and joy, hosting Christmas gatherings at her home until the family outgrew her house and had to move to a much larger building. Her children and grandchildren were always welcome to stop by for a visit, where a gallon ice cream container filled with cookies was waiting for them in the deep freeze, or fresh dinner buns or brownies were sitting on the countertop near her incredible salt and pepper shaker collection. One of the best ways she showed love was by showing up and celebrating her family. She attended countless basketball, football, baseball, softball, volleyball, and soccer games; wrestling matches; theater and musical performances; many birthday parties; and milestones at church and school. Margaret will be remembered for her unwavering faith, quiet strength, generous spirit, and the countless ways she cared for others. Her life was one of devotion to her husband, her children and grandchildren, her church, and her community. Above all, Margaret was a woman of extraordinary strength and kindness. Her family was her greatest joy, and the love she poured into each generation will continue through them. She leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly, but who will carry forward the lessons she taught through the way she lived: be strong, love generously, work faithfully, serve others, and always make room for a little sweetness.

Margaret is survived by sister Kathleen Broekemeier of Norfolk; brother Dale (Ann) Behrens of Carroll; sister-in-law Esther Behrens of Norfolk; her children, Susan (Timothy) Lenhoff of Randolph, Nyla (Dave) Jurrens of White, S.D., and Larry (Colette) Broekemeier of Yankton, S.D.; daughter-inlaw Deb Broekemeier of Osmond; son-in-law Joe Rumsey of Brunswick; 15 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband James 'Jim' Broekemeier; her parents, Louis and Louise Behrens; sister Ardeth Hoffart; brothers Marlin Behrens and Donald Behrens; son James Broekemeier; daughter Sharon Rumsey; grandchildren Mindy Lenhoff, Regina Lenhoff, and Baby Boy Broekemeier; and great-grandson Sean Blom.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel. com.