Margaret Beneke, age 97, of Palmer, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Margaret Ann Lampe was born on May 13, 1929, to William Lampe and Marie Reiter Lampe near Palmer, Iowa. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Pomeroy and Palmer Consolidated Schools, graduating in 1946.

After graduating from high school, she worked at Tobin Implement in Palmer. On June 4, 1949, she married Louis Beneke. They settled near Palmer, where they farmed, raised their family and enjoyed 67 years of marriage. In 1972, Margaret began working at the Palmer Post Office, and in 1986 she became postmaster. She continued working there until her retirement in 1997. Louis passed away in January of 2016 and Margaret continued to make her home on the farm.

Margaret enjoyed being with family, spending time on the farm, quilting, and playing cards. Just recently, she enjoyed attending the 41st Beneke Open, where 94 out of 112 family members were present.

Survivors include her children: Wayne of Harlingen, TX, Barb (Pat) McCarty of Westmont, IL, Jane (Bob) Murphy of Manchester, Donna (Dick) Evans of Iowa City, Bill (Karla) of Corinth, TX, Bob (Brenda) of Palmer, Deb (Don) Schacherer of Cypress, TX, John (Kellie) of Spencer and Tom (Mary) of Twin Lakes, along with 21 grandchildren and 55 great‑grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; their baby daughter, Marilyn; her parents; three sisters, Pat Kutz, Cecilia Jeanblanc, and Bonnie McGonegle; two brothers, Frank and Tom; and five great‑grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Margaret's family requests that memorials be made to her family for future designation.