Margaret Jane Schleusener

A Funeral Service for Margaret Jane Schleusener, age 91, of Orchard, Nebraska will be 11:00 am Monday, November 10, 2025 at Faith Community Church in O'Neill. Pastor Paul Harder will officiate. Burial will follow at 2:00pm at the Orchard Hill Cemetery in Orchard. Visitation will be 4-6 pm Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 6:00pm Prayer Service. Memorials may be directed to the Faith Community Church or the Orchard Historical Society. Margaret passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Alpine Village in Verdigre, Nebraska. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Margaret Jane Drayton was born on October 12, 1934, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Gordon and Julia (Anderson) Drayton. She attended grade school in Orchard, Nebraska, and graduated from Orchard High School in 1952. During high school, Margaret was a cheerleader and played the flute in the band. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she was a proud member of the Tri-Delta Sorority and earned her degree in Home Economics.

On December 22, 1956, Margaret married the love of her life, Lyle Schleusener, at the Methodist Church in Orchard. To this union three daughters were born: Shari, Robin, and Julie. The couple made their home in Orchard, where they raised their family. In 2019, Margaret and Lyle moved to Evergreen Assisted Living in O'Neill.

Margaret taught for a short time at Plainview High School before becoming a substitute teacher for many years at Orchard High School. She was always eager to lend a helping hand and volunteered for numerous school and community events.

She was an active member of the Orchard Historical Society and enjoyed many years of bowling in O'Neill with the Bank of Orchard bowling team. Margaret was also an avid bridge player and cherished the friendships she made through those gatherings.

A talented seamstress, Margaret made many of her daughters' clothes when they were growing up and later found joy in sewing baby blankets. She also loved cooking and sharing her creations with family and friends.

Margaret will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and lifelong dedication to her family and community.

Margaret Jane is survived by her three daughters, Shari (Greg) Mattern of Sioux Falls, SD, Robin (Mike) Stevens of Lincoln, NE, and Julie (Gary) Beecroft of Siren, WI; five grandchildren, Joshua (Stacie) Mattern, Christopher (Jamie) Mattern, Melanie (Ryan) Van Tol, Angie Stevens (Nick Mortenson), and Amy (Blaine) Martin; many great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Merle (Kay) Schleusener of Bettendorf, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Lyle Schleusener in 2022; her parents, Gordon and Julia Drayton; cousin, Marianne Means.