Margaret Ferring
Margaret Kathleen Thorsten-Luth-Ferring, 93, of Lansing died peacefully in her sleep after spending her final days surrounded by her beloved daughters Monday, November 22, 2021 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, November 27 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing with Father Sean Smith as the Concelebrant. Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing.
Margaret entered the world June 17, 1928 in Lansing, born 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 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 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 five 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; her siblings and their spouses, John and Eleanor Thorsten, Mary and Harry Levendoski, James and Carolyn Thorsten, and Elizabeth and Ray Hawes.
Casket bearers included Tim O’Hare, Jeff Callahan, Heath Smith, Becky Mitchell, Jenny Rosendahl and Erika Johnson. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.
