MARGUERITE ELZINA HERSHBERGER, 98 FREEPORT - Marguerite Elzina Hershberger, 98, of Freeport IL passed away on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2014 at Heritage Health Nursing Home in Springfield IL. She was born on August 4, 1916 in Harmon IL, the daughter of Dr. John Mayhue Lund and Helena (Janssen) Lund. She grew up in Dixon IL, graduated from Dixon High School and Swedish American Hospital School of Nursing in Rockford IL. She began her nursing career in 1937 at Deaconess Hospital in Freeport IL. Marguerite E. Hershberger, 98, of Springfield, IL, died Tuesday November 11, 2014 at Heritage Health and Memorial Hospice in Springfield, IL. She was born August 3, 1916 in Dixon, IL, the daughter of John and Helena (Jansen) Lund. In 1949 she became the first police woman in Freeport IL. It was rumored she temporarily quit nursing because she tried to start a nurses union due to working conditions. She went back to nursing and retired from Freeport Memorial Hospital. She married Abraham Lincoln Hershberger in Galesburg, IL on October 15, 1951. He preceded her in death on January 5, 1972 in Freeport IL. Also, she was preceded in death by her brothers John Mayhue Lund, Jr. (Sept. 12, 1955), Edwin Joseph Lund (Jan. 22, 2007), and step sons, Roger Leon Hershberger (Sept. 16, 2001) and Donovan Paul Hershberger (June 24, 2002). She is survived by two children, Adele Beth (Mike) Malerich of Springfield IL, John Edward (Jackie) Hershberger of Madison WI, grandchildren Christopher Michael (Liz) Malerich of Dayton Ohio, Jason Allen Malerich of Milwaukee WI, Caitlin Dawn Hershberger and Samuel Douglas Hershberger of Madison WI, step daughter Phyllis Schoonhoven of Alexandria MN, step daughter in law, Gloria Hershberger of Middleton, WI, and good friend Arlene Gaines of Freeport IL. She was a member of Embury Methodist Church in Freeport, IL and Order of Eastern Star. Prior to declining health she loved to read and play bridge. She went to high school with Ronald Reagan in Dixon IL and would tell you he was very good looking. She walked thru life to her own drummer. The family wants to thank the staff at Heritage Health and Memorial Hospice for their care and kindness. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2014 at the Chapel of Peace in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens 2514 IL Rt. 26 S. Freeport, IL 61032, with the Rev. Julie Bunt officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Embury Methodist Church in Freeport IL. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign her online guestbook and to share memories.
You can to the family or in memory of Marguerite Hershberger.
Guestbook