Margaret Mildred (nee Oswalt) Herman died Thursday, Aug. 10. She was 93.
She was born Nov. 16, 1929, to Harry and Lottie Oswalt. She grew up on her centennial farm alongside her brothers, Robert and Stuart.
Margaret graduated from Vicksburg High School and completed her education at Parson Business School, where she met Thomas Herman, whom she married in 1950. Together, they raised three children—Stephen, Mary, and Susan — on their family farm. Margaret found joy in tending to livestock, gardening, baking, sewing, and knitting.
As technology advanced, she amazed her family with her interest and quick understanding of the latest cell phones, iPads, televisions and more. She was able to order whatever she wanted from Shipt and Amazon with just a few quick taps on her iPhone. Her most recent acquisition was an Apple watch.
Upon retirement, Margaret and Tom spent their winters in Florida. After 58 years together, they made the decision to permanently relocate to University Park Country Club in Sarasota. With each move, it remained important to them to join a local parish and uphold their strong Catholic faith.
Margaret and Tom shared a deep and loving relationship, serving as role models to many. They cherished their time together, whether traveling, dining out, or simply sharing a glass of lemonade after completing their chores. After nearly 70 years of marriage, Tom died in 2019.
At the age of 90, Margaret relocated to Michigan, undeterred by the challenges of Covid. She made the journey alongside her prized belongings and settled into a new home closer to family. She took pleasure in updating the house and making it her own, even treating herself to a lovely shade of green carpeting she had always wanted, but hadn’t been to Tom’s liking. Her great-grandchildren enjoyed making frequent visits, where they were spoiled with treats she kept on hand. Margaret also welcomed Luna, her beloved kitty, who became her faithful companion and a hesitant playmate to her great-grandchildren.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, as well as her son, Stephen, in 2012, and granddaughters Gina and Clara Raatz. Survivors include her daughters, Mary (Herman) Raatz, Susan (Herman) Marcy and husband, Kevin; grandchildren Emily and Steve Mullin, Brian and Lauren Marcy, Kaitlyn and Michael Winclechter, and Grace and Maxwell Hultquist; and great-grandchildren Ryley, Makennah, and Jayke Mullin, Zara and Frances Marcy, Jackson and Reid Winclechter, and Lucas Hultquist.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, where they began their marriage of 70 years. Margaret and Thomas will be laid to rest together at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan with military honors to honor Thomas’ service in the Navy.
In memory of Margaret, donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County or a charity of one’s choosing.
