Margaret Elaine (Jorgensen) Heithold was called home to our Lord on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by her children, family and friends in Licking Residential Care, Licking, at the age of eighty-nine years. She was born on June 18, 1936, in Ainsworth, Nebraska to the Reverend Jens Christian and Emma (Pedersen) Jorgensen.
Margaret married Donavon William Heithold on May 23, 1955 in Yankton, South Dakota and to this union five children were born.
Margaret enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her day kids (children she babysat) always carrying around her “brag book” photo album, supporting them in their school activities, and teaching them about God’s unwavering love. She volunteered many hours at the Licking Bridge Builders, women’s church groups (Regional President – Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Licking United Methodists Lady’s Aid), teaching early child development at South Central Correctional Center, providing her annual thirty boxes for Operation Christmas Child, providing monthly birthday parties/Christmas party/presents for all residents of Garner Covert Memorial Farm while in operation, baking homemade Danish Stolens and cinnamon rolls for fundraisers, and many other wonderful selfless acts. For over twenty-five plus years, she had a column in the Norfolk Daily News under Pantry Patter and Kitchen Nuggets pertaining to daily life out at the farm. She loved to get a good deal at yard sales and enjoyed trying new recipes out.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Emma Jorgensen; loving husband, Donavon Heithold; three sisters: Dorothy Stauffer, Caroline Engdahl, and Mildred Jorgensen; one brother, Dwight Jorgensen; son-in-law, Donald R. Fox; one grandson, Dominic Heithold; special niece, Deborah Stark; and one cousin-in-law/best friend, Gloria (Heithold) Evans.
Margaret is survived by her four sons: Donavon “Bill” Heithold Jr. and wife, Cynthia, Hallsville, Texas; Bryan Heithold and wife, Silvia, Nederland, Colorado; Paul Heithold and wife, Penny, Salem; and Grant Heithold and wife, Lori, Salem; one daughter, Carol Fox, Licking; twelve grandchildren: Chad Heithold and wife, Sara; Anna Cochran and husband, Si; Logan Heithold and wife, Naomi; Jacob Heithold and wife, Bonni; Justus Bryce and wife, Caterina; Orlan Heithold and wife, Amanda; Emma Heithold; Luke Heithold and wife, Hannah; Camerin Fester and husband, Jacob; Karsin Heithold; Blake Heithold and wife, Mackenzie; and Megan Heithold. Twenty-seven great-grandchildren: James Heithold, Judah Cochran, Sawyer Heithold-Strom, Adam Heithold, Parker Huff, Hrothgar Bryce, Elijah Cochran, Penelope Huff, Aurelia Bryce, Kerrigan Heithold, Samuel Cochran, Jett Fester, Grace Heithold, Alayna Heithold, Noah Heithold, Asher Cochran, Erinn Heithold-Strom, Joanna Heithold, Titus Heithold, Elise Heithold, Lily Heithold, Asa Cochran, Otto Bryce, Aristides Bryce, Miles Heithold-Willard, Marley Heithold-Willard, and Summer Heithold; seven sisters-in-law: Vivian Ash, Springfield; Marian Stringfellow, Bolivar; Joann Dreesen and husband, Red, Fair Grove; Sharon Lumley, Elkland; Janet Hughes, Springfield; Patricia Nadi and husband, Ramadan, Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia; and Kathy Hodges and husband, John, Springfield; two brothers-in-law: Duane Heithold and wife, Leona, Coleridge, Nebraska; and David Heithold and wife, Pauline, Elkland; best friend, Ursula “Lina” McLinden; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Visitation was held Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at Fox Funeral Home. Funeral service was held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 2, 2025 in the Fox Chapel with Pastor David Kettner officiating. Interment was in Concord Cemetery, Salem.
Pallbearers were her grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to ShowMe Christian Youth Home or Concord Cemetery.
Margaret’s family would like to say a special heartfelt Thank You t
