Margaret Kathleen Thorsten-Luth-Ferring, 93, of Lansing, died peacefully in her sleep after spending her final days surrounded by her beloved daughters on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Thornton Manor in Lansing, IA. Margaret entered the world on June 17, 1928 in Lansing, IA, to James and Helena (Weber) Thorsten. She was the middle child of five children that included older siblings John Thorsten and Mary Thorsten-Levendoski, and younger siblings James Thorsten and Elizabeth Thorsten-Hawes. Margaret graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1946. She was a dedicated farmer’s wife to both of her husbands. She married Henry Alfred Luth on February 17, 1947 and had six daughters and a son during their marriage. Sadly, without warning, Henry suffered a heart attack while asleep in 1959. After grieving the loss of her husband for four years, Margaret found solace in her neighbor Robert Nick Ferring and on August 3, 1963, the two wed. They shared one daughter.
Margaret was often found alongside Bob milking the cows until they sold their dairy cattle and switched to beef in 1995. After raising her children, Margaret worked as a housekeeper at the Scenic Valley Motel and, later, Thornton Manor until she was 80 years-old. Margaret spent her free time traveling with her friends and family across the U.S. However, her favorite pastime was taking a turn on her lawnmower, ensuring her lawn was the best kept among her neighbors. She raised her children on her fresh homemade bread and famous potato salad. She took great pride in her seven daughters, frequently stating that she had one for every day of the week. Along with her love for her children, she kept many other family and friends close to her heart. She was a lover of soap operas and Judge Judy, as well as listening to the Li’l Dale radio show and country music.
Margaret is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Leo) Conway, Virginia (Mike) O’Hare, Lavonne (Tom) Callahan, Cindy (Jim) Callahan and Laure (George) Manning, all of Lansing, and Pam (Randy) Smith and Robin (David) Johnson of Waukon; 21 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Helena Thorsten: her son, Jimmy; her husbands, Henry Luth and Robert Ferring; siblings and their spouses, John and Eleanor Thorsten, Mary and Harry Levendoski, James and Carolyn Thorsten and Elizabeth and Ray Hawes. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing, assisted the family with arrangements. Casket bearers include Tim O’Hare, Jeff Callahan, Heath Smith, Becky Mitchell, Jenny Rosendahl and Erika Johnson.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, Iowa with Rev. Sean Smith as the celebrant.
Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing, Iowa.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.