Margaret Abel • 1917- 2010

Margaret Abel, 93, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, ND, died Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in a Bismarck nursing home. 

Margaret Hoffart was born on February 17, 1917, the daughter of Peter and Regina (Reiger) Hoffart on the family farm near Esmond, ND. She was raised and educated in the Esmond area.  She was the sixth child of a family of ten children. 

On October 9, 1939, Margaret was united in marriage to Lawrence A. Abel at Esmond, ND. The couple lived for short time in Balta at which time their first child, a daughter, was born. Margaret earned income by sewing dresses without the aid of patterns but only catalog pictures as guides. In 1943, the couple moved to Minot, where four more children were added to the family. Margaret was a house wife for a number of years.  During this time, she earned spending money by taking in washing and patching clothes.  She and Lawrence also built their house.   When the children were older, Margaret and her husband cleaned offices in evenings.  Later  Margaret worked as chef’s assistant and eventually became fry cook. 

During the last 15 years of her working career she was employed as a laundry attendant at Norge Village Laundromat.  During her retirement, she and Lawrence enjoyed remodeling the residence they had purchased in Eastwood Park. Both enjoyed countless hours making their yard a showcase.  Lawrence passed away on March 12, 2001. Following his death, Margaret continued to live and maintain her home in Eastwood Park.  In February of 2008 Margaret’s health began to fail.  One of her daughters moved her to Bismarck,  while in Bismarck, Margaret lived independently in Brandon Heights senior housing, later the Edgewood Vista assisted care memory unit, and lastly the Baptist Nursing Home.  She ultimately succumbed to kidney failure and died peaceful in her sleep with her children near her side. 

Margaret was a member of the St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot for approximately 45 years and a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot for 20 years.  She enjoyed gardening.  Her yard, across from Roosevelt Park, was her pride and joy.  She spent all her free time nurturing her plants and feeding the birds.

Surviving relatives include:

Her five children:  Yvonne Abel, Painesville, OH, Larry L (Sue) Abel, Rapid City, SD, Karen (Barry) Borstad, Bismarck, ND, Jane Abel, Burlington, ND, Jim ( Goldie) Abel, Minot
Ten grandchildren:  Ed Danison, Altona, PA Nick (Barbara) Danison, Bill Danison, Columbus, OH, Chris (Genie) Danison, Altona, PA, Jeff Danison, Greensboro, NC, Lisa Abel , Rapid City, Josh Borstad, Bismarck, Brett (Leilani) Borstad, Littleton CO, Biana Borstad, Bismarck, Brandon (Laura) Abel, Peoria, IL; eight great-grandchildren: Brother: Casey(Helen) Hoffert; Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, grandson Michael Abel, and eight siblings-Frank Hoffert, Regina Buckmier, Jake Hoffert, Lucille Gefroh, John Hoffert, Joe Hoffert, Katie Hoffart, Ann Stark.

Visitation: Tuesday, December 28, 2010 from 3-7 at Thompson Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Vigil Prayer Service:  Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 7 pm at Thompson Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:30 am St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot

Burial:  Rosehill Memorial park, Minot

Celebrant of the Liturgies: Father Tomy Joseph

Music
Opening “Be Not Afraid”
Communion “Christ Be Beside Me”
Commendation “Song of Farewell”
Closing “Ave Maria”
Lucas Brown and Kari Andersen, musicians

Honorary Bearers: Margaret’s family and friends

Active Bearers: Margaret’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers

Immediately following the graveside service everyone is invited to join the family in the lower level of the church for lunch and fellowship.

The Abel family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May God bless the memory of Margaret.

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