Margaret “Marguerite” J. Nicol, 95, St. Cloud

May 19, 1920 - August 27, 2015

Margaret (Marguerite) died peacefully on Thursday August 27, 2015 in St. Cloud MN. She was born May 19, 1920 in Jamestown ND to Margaret (Heaney) and Joseph Hinschberger.

Marguerite was raised on a farm in Barnes County ND and graduated from Valley City High School. She completed her RN training at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Marshfield, WI and worked at Madison General Hospital, WI and Spartanburg General Hospital in SC. While visiting relatives in Waupaca, WI she was introduced to Bob Nicol. They married on March 13, 1943 and spent 72 wonderful years together. They were stationed at Camp Croft, SC for one year before Bob left for Europe during WWII, and she wrote to him every single day for almost 2 years while he was overseas. They resided for a short time in Wausau, WI and Minneapolis, MN before settling in St. Cloud, MN in 1948.

Marguerite was a dedicated wife, mother, homemaker, and friend. Wonderful meals were the norm with delicious baked goods; including her popular chocolate chip cookies. She created hors d'oeuvres to share at “pop overs” that were enjoyed by all. Mom liked to share, exchange and modify recipes with friends and family. Gardens and flowers were a joy in her life. She was an avid bridge player and a great dance partner. She took up golf to spend time with her family and was known to be efficient around the green. More than anything she loved being with her family.

Marguerite was a member of St. Stephen’s Mission Group, Daughters of Isabella, and volunteered at United Way and Treasure Chest. She was an early parishioner of Holy Spirit Church, a long-time member of The St. Cloud Country Club, and belonged to numerous bridge clubs.

Survived by her husband, Robert Nicol, Sr. of St. Cloud; children, Robert Nicol, Jr. (Barb) of Plymouth MN, David Nicol of St. Augusta MN, James Nicol (Barbara) of Eden Prairie MN, Mary Nicol of Wayzata MN and special friend, Mary Scattarelli; grandchildren, Thomas Nicol (Elizabeth) and Tara Lennon; great-grandchildren, Carson Lennon, Makenna Lennon and Marguerite Nicol.

Preceded in death by her parents, sisters Irene Manstrom, Carroll Podhasky and grandson Timothy Charles Nicol.

The family thanks all of the wonderful people who cared for Marguerite, especially: Drs. Leland Lindquist, Stephen Reichl, Dale Reynolds, and Thomas Como; care givers: Sandy, Amanda, Patricia, Blythe, Katie, Linda and Michelle, and Quiet Oaks for their care and comfort. We are grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Quiet Oaks Hospice House, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, or the donors’ choice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 11:00AM at Holy Spirit Church. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday September 2 from 4:00PM-8:00PM and Thursday 10:00AM-11:00AM, 2015 prior to mass.