Margaret Marie Schmitz

March 7, 1929 - December 7, 2020

Margaret Marie Schmitz, age 91, of Glendive, passed away from natural causes on December 7, 2020, at Glendive Medical Center. Silha Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. Private graveside services were held with Fr. Francis Schreiber of Sacred Heart Catholic Church officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Margaret was born in Beach, North Dakota, on March 7,1929, to Lawrence and Irene (Sifert) Nistler. Margaret graduated from Holy Rosary High School in Miles City. She worked as a teacher for one year before marrying the love of her life, Jim, on August 30, 1949. Margaret and Jim dedicated their lives to unselfishly serving others. Between 1951 and 1953, Jim and Margaret managed the Home on the Range School for Boys in Sentinel Butte. It was there that Margaret discovered her love of cooking. She turned that passion into a career in dietetics. Margaret also enjoyed working as Jim's bookkeeper at the elevator. Margaret loved spending time planning summer family vacations. Some of her favorite places to visit were Hawaii, Wisconsin, and Canada. She cherished time with her family and made sure everyone had a blast at the Nistler family reunions. After retiring, Margaret used her time to become skilled in sewing. She enjoyed making quilts, sweaters, and pillows for her grandchildren. Another one of Margaret's favorite pastimes was making rosaries to donate to Catholic churches and organizations. While at the Grandview, she delighted in joining friends for a game of Pinochle or Canasta. Margaret kept her mind sharp with daily puzzles and word searches. Margaret's faith was of utmost importance to her. She faithfully attended mass and ended each day by saying the rosary. Margaret was a member of the Catholic Daughters where she helped organize the Fall Dinners and various Christmas programs. Margaret was passionate about helping those in need. Her generosity was evident through her contributions to various charities. Margaret was a supporter of the Catholic Indian Missions and Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. As we say goodbye to our mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, we reflect on all the wonderful memories we shared with her. We will miss her dearly and will always remember her loving, caring, and feisty spirit. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Irene Nistler; husband of 52 years, Jim; brothers, Richard (Dick) and Eugene (Toby) Nistler; son, Lavern; daughter, Beverly and grandson, Jules Rasmussen. Margaret leaves behind a daughter, Barb Rasmussen of Great Falls; two sons, Gerald (Patty) of Honolulu, Hawaii and LeRoy of western Montana; a sister, Elizabeth-Betsy (Gordon) Klofstad of Meza, Arizona; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.