Margaret E. "Maggie" Eickmeier

1939 - 2025

Margaret E. "Maggie" Eickmeier

December 5, 1939 - November 5, 2025

Margaret Eleanor (Conkling) Eickmeier was born December 5, 1939, in Stromsburg, Neb., to Orley and Thelma (Donelson) Conkling. She was the second of five children, Katherine, Don, Donita, and Scott - and grew up on the family farm where the children attended county school #35, a one room schoolhouse taught by a single teacher for all grades.

Maggie graduated from Stromsburg high school, where she was active in 4-H, girls' choir, and band, playing the clarinet. She served as a Youth Farm delegate for the Farm Bureau for two years and was a dedicated member of her church, Sunday school and Girl Scouts, earning the organization's highest honor, the Curved Bar!

From a young age, Maggie dreamed of becoming a registered nurse. She was thrilled to be accepted into the Bryan Memorial Hospital school of nursing in 1957, where she formed lifelong friendships.

In 1958, at a roller-skating party hosted by a Bryan classmate in Seward, Maggie met a "tall, handsome, redhead" named Al Eickmeier. The two were married in October 1960 and made their home in Lincoln, where they welcomed two children, Rick and Allison.

Maggie was endlessly devoted to her family. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, Dylan (Hanna), Jamie (Colin Terry), Tyler, and Evan and cherished being great-grandma to Jamie and Colin's son, Maxwell. Whether swimming or sledding, playing board games, making crafts, or reading story books, Maggie always made time to share laughter and love with them.

Al's career took the family to several Nebraska communities - five years in Omaha, 13 in Kearney, and 10 back in Lincoln before settling in Seward in 2002. Maggie's nursing career was as varied as it was fulfilling. She began as an OB nurse at Bryan Memorial Hospital, then worked as a school nurse and teachers aid in Ralston, and later as an ENT/allergy nurse in both Kearney and Lincoln.

Faith and service were central to Maggie's life. Wherever she lived, she was active in her church community. At Faith Lutheran Church in Seward, she contributed in many ways as a member of the Prayer Garden team, the Faithful Peacemakers, the communion bread bakers, and the quilting group. Her warmth, kindness and sense of fun endeared her to others.

Maggie was a lifelong learner and a doer who embraced new projects with enthusiasm. Her hobbies included reading, baking, sewing, painting, needlepoint, and playing bridge. She loved swimming, dabbled in golf, and treasured special trips to Alaska and Sweden.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three of her siblings; and her beloved husband, Al, who passed away in 2007.

A memorial has been established at Bryan Foundation and Faith Lutheran church, which brought Maggie great comfort, friendship, and joy throughout her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Seward with Pastor Miles Ruch officiating. A private family graveside and inurnment service will be held at Seward Cemetery.

A memorial has been established at Bryan Foundation and Faith Lutheran church, which brought Maggie great comfort, friendship, and joy throughout her life.

Arrangements are entrusted to Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home. Condolences at www.zabkaperduefuneralhome.com.