Margaret J. Boeckman, 86, of Onaga, KS, died Friday, April 15, 2005, at the Onaga Community Hospital. She was transferred there from Eastridge care home in Centralia where she had been a resident since January of 2005.

She was born September 14, 1918, on a farm southeast of Kelly, one of fifteen children of Bernard Sr. and Mary Knipper Niehues. Margaret grew up there, attended St. Bede’s School, and helped on the family farm.

On September 14, 1948, she married Albert J. Boeckman at St. Bede’s Church at Kelly. They farmed northeast of Corning. Her husband Albert died suddenly of a heart attack on July 3, 1973. She remained on the farm until 1983 when she moved to Onaga.

She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Onaga and a former member of St. Patrick’s Church and the altar society at the church at Corning. She enjoyed all kinds of needlework and did quilting and embroidery.

Survivors are a son, Richard Boeckman, and a daughter, Marianna Brunkow, both of Onaga; two brothers, Edwin Niehues of Goff and Robert Niehues, Sr. of Seneca; four sisters, Sr. Richardis Niehues O.S.B. of Atchison, Antoinette Hermesch of Seneca, Josepha Altenhofen of Kelly, and Evelyn Hutfles of Topeka; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Bernard “Ben” Niehues, Jr., John J. Niehues, George F. Niehues, and Albert H. Niehues; four sisters, Agnes Niehues (an infant), Alma Haverkamp, Anna Niehues, and Erma Niehues.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday at St. Patrick’s Church at Corning. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for St. Patrick’s Cemetery or St. Vincent de Paul Building Fund, and sent in care of the family.