Margaret Bravener
May 14, 1908 ~ March 22, 2012
Margaret I. Bravener, age 103 of Fredericksburg, Iowa died Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the home of her daughter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2012, at Peace United Church of Christ, Fredericksburg with Pastor Burt Williams presiding. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg, with Bill Mulder, Richard Schoonover, Jim Reisner, Craig Bravener, Cy Bowers, and Ron Brown serving as pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences for Margaret’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com
Memorials may be made to Peace United Church of Christ or a charity of your choice.
Margaret Bravener was born May 14, 1908, in Frederika, Iowa, the daughter of William and Amelia (Bremer) Segebarth. She was baptized on June 10, 1908 and confirmed April 9, 1922 at the Evangelical St. Paul’s Church in Frederika, Iowa. Margaret was a member of the first graduating class at Frederika High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa), and received her teaching certificate. She taught in rural schools around Chickasaw County.
Margaret was united in marriage on January 1, 1934 to Niel Bravener. To this union two children were born, Sandra and William. After the marriage she had to relinquish her teaching job, because female teachers were not allowed to be married at the time. Margaret was a substitute teacher, homemaker, and spent time as the Sunday School Superintendent. She was an affiliate of the Mt. Horeb Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, the Idle-a-While Card Club, and an active member of the Peace United Church of Christ.
Survivors include one daughter, Sandra Bell of Cedar Rapids; one son, William Bravener of Pewaukee, WI; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Niel S. Bravener in 1998; two sisters, Florine Bockhaus and June Carroll; one brother, Donald Segebarth.
The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
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Bill: So sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincere Sympathy, Ron and Norma Bullerman Calmar, IA
Our sincere sympathy to all Margaret’s family and friends. She was a very nice lady. It was always fun to visit with her when ever we meet. She was positive in her thinking and concern about other people. Margaret was one of God’s angel on earth.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sandy (and William as well) What a trend setter your mother seemed to be. And it is so wonderful that she was able to spend the last days of her life with you. Such a tribute to your care and love. My sincere sympathies for your loss but I hope your memories of your mother will sustain you in the days to come. Hugs to you both. Sharron McElmeel
Chickasaw County has lost one of its longest, strongest & sweetest cancer survivors. She was a true example of living each day to the fullest ~ we are all better people for having had Margaret in our lives! It was a joy to get to know Margaret through our connection with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Our sincere sympathy to you, Bill and Sandra, on the loss of your dear mother. I am grateful for the blessing of her friendship ~ she will be missed!
Margaret was my Grandma Ball’s neighbor for many years. My wife got to know her through her many visits to the Schoonovers as well. She was a very kind woman. Always had a smile and time for a chat. We all are lucky to have had her as part of our lives for so long. Our thoughts and prayers are with all at this time. Michael, Barb, Laura and Krissy Ball
Dear Bill and Sandra, Terry and I just learned today of the death of our dear Margaret, and we are so saddened by her loss, as it is a great one. But as she would say, well what do you expect at 103!! As you know, she held a very special place in my heart. She and I always talked, and talked, and talked when we got together. She always worried about me, and I worried about her, and we both told each other we shouldn’t do that. She was just a wonderful lady. Such passion for what she loved, and she loved you two the most!! Bill, she had kept track of me since you and I were roommates at UNI, oh about 45 years ago or so. And we always loved to share a joke and a big laugh. I loved giving her hugs as she always appreciated them. Her sense of humor was a real treasure, sometimes dry, sometimes rowdy..she just loved humor. She leaves many memories for me, and I will treasure them in my heart dearly. She always wanted to know how my ‘basketball lady’ was doing. She loved family as you know, and she always treated me like I was one of you. These kinds of treasures one doesn’t receive very often, so I am very grateful for every one of them. And now she can get busy again, telling Niel what to get done, and they can dance away their hours in Heaven. God Bless you both, and you will certainly be in our prayers. Love, Mark & Terry
Bill I heard of your lost of your mother. I was just thinking of older teachers that had been at SW in the 70’s. Our thoughts and condolescences go out to your family at this time. Joe & Connie McCasland, Calmar, IA
Margaret was my mom’s side kick for many years…..usually if you seen Mom around town or New Hampton—–Margaret was with her. They spent a lot of time together and had many laughs. Margaret was their for Mom through the good times and the bad times just like a best friend should be. Many a cups of coffee were shared at our kitchen table over the years. Margaret had a special sense of humor, unlike no one else, she was witty, and kind and enjoyed the small town life of Fredericksburg. She was a true jewel!!!