Margaret Ann Stiller

Margaret Stiller, 78, of Zumbrota, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Zumbrota Care Center, surrounded by her family.

Margaret Ann was born in Red Wing on October 2, 1946 to Bernie and Emma (Mehrkens) Diercks. She attended St. John’s rural school and Goodhue High School. She attended Mankato State for two years. Margaret married Dale Stiller on July 16, 1966 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Together they had two children, Debra and Bradley.

Margaret helped on the farm and cared for their children. She also provided childcare for Rick and Jan Ryan. She worked part-time testing vision and hearing for Goodhue County from 1987-91 and co-licensed a daycare center from 1989-91. She was a 4H project leader for six years.

Margaret graduated from Winona State College on February 26, 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in teaching. She was a teacher’s aide in the Title 1 program at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Elementary School for 21 years. She taught part-time in the gifted and talented program for first graders for two years. Margaret retired in 2011 but joined Teachers on Call as a substitute teacher for 2 years. She also served as a part-time teacher aide at Christ Lutheran School for 3 years.

Margaret was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she was part of the Ladies’ Aid from 1966-1992, and held many offices. She taught Sunday School for seven years, belonged to the choir from 1997-2010, served as the youth ministry leader for four years, was on the alter committee from 2013-2016, and a member of the sewing circle. In later years, Margaret and Dale joined the church of their daughter’s family, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Goodhue.

Margaret belonged to the Goodhue County Homemakers and held many offices. She served on the Goodhue County American Dairy Association and the ZM FFA Alumni Advisory Board with Dale.

Dale and Margaret had many years of fun with their card club, and took many trips with friends, especially enjoying cruise ship vacations. Margaret enjoyed farm life, gardening, mowing the lawn, crocheting, coffee with friends, and spending time with family. Margaret loved her grandchildren, especially watching their many school activities. She was blessed to spend time with her first great-grandchild, who would play happily on her lap or bed. In recent years, she and Dale were supported by many friends and family, and by their second family at the Zumbrota Care Center since it became her home in April 2020, and by the wonderful members of Mayo Hospice since August 2023.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Dale; daughter, Debra (Keith) Hinrichs of Goodhue; son, Bradley (Tricia) Stiller of Mazeppa; grandchildren: Cody (Kate) Hinrichs, Caleb Hinrichs, Blake, Raelyn, and Britta Stiller; and great-grandchild, Ella Hinrichs. She is also survived by extended family, including siblings: David (Eva) Diercks of Goodhue, Dorothy (Roy) Buck of Goodhue, and Shirley (Rod) Jonas of Bismarck, ND; in-laws: Marlys (Dick) Loken of Wanamingo, and Linda (Dean) Nelson (Rosemount); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Goodhue with Rev. Martin Weigand officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, June 30, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel, Zumbrota and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice or to CurePSP or the Zumbrota Care Center.