In loving memory of

Margaret Backhaus
November 21, 1941 - February 26, 2021

Funeral Service is Monday, March 1, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa **Face Masks and Social Distancing are Required**

Officiating are Reverend Jonathan Conner and Reverend Robert Riggert

Music "In The Garden" "Jesus Loves Me" "Here I Am, Lord" "The Old Rugged Cross" "Take My Life And Let It Be" "Borning Cry"
Timothy Conner, Organist Zion Lutheran Choir

Casket Bearers are Ben Backhaus, Nick Backhaus, Jared Hoffman, Aaron Dixon, Jake Foley, Tim Barr, Tanner Potter and Elijah Backhaus

Honorary Casket Bearers are Sarah Dixon, Lindsey Backhaus, Emily Backhaus, Kaia Backhaus, Sasha Backhaus, Jami Davidson, Jessica Hoffman, Larissa Potter and Mandi Backhaus

Interment at Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa

Margaret Louise, daughter of Marvin and Elaine (Schnack) Andersen, was born November 21, 1941, in Harlan, Iowa. She grew up near Corley on the family farm. When she was in the eighth grade, they moved to another farm near Jacksonville and Margaret graduated from Irwin High School.
On December 4, 1960, Margaret was united in marriage with Dennis Backhaus at Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Jacksonville. Four sons were born to this couple. For a short time, Margaret and Dennis briefly resided in Omaha where she studied nursing. In 1961, they settled on the present family farm south of Westside. In December of 2020, the couple celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Margaret was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. She was a member of the choir, Ladies' Aid and LWML. For several years, she taught Sunday School and was Superintendent for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Together, she and Dennis made numerous nativity set figurines for VBS. Margaret enjoyed the farm life. She quilted with the Busy Thimbles and excelled at gardening, canning, baking and cooking. Her cream puffs, chocolate chip cookies, angel food cake, and caramels were family favorites. When her boys were young, Margaret sewed most of their clothing. In the early 1980s, the family was featured as the WOWT Farm Family of the Week. She was an expert euchre player. Her love as a mother-figure extended to the foreign exchange students they hosted.
In April of 2019, Margaret was diagnosed with leukemia which she strongly fought. On Friday, February 26, 2021, Margaret passed away at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 79 years.
Margaret is survived by her husband Dennis Backhaus of Westside; four sons: David (Diane) Backhaus of Liberty, MO; Rodney (Kristin) Backhaus of Manilla; Jerry (Carla) Backhaus of Westside; and Bill (Jenny) Backhaus of Griswold; 10 grandchildren: Sarah (Aaron) Dixon, Benjamin (Lindsey) Backhaus, Emily Backhaus, Elijah Backhaus, Kaia Backhaus, Sasha Backhaus and fiancé Jake Foley, Nick Backhaus and fiancée Jami Davidson, Jessica (Jared) Hoffman, Larissa (Tanner) Potter and Mandi Backhaus; 7 great-grandchildren: Brayden, Audrey, Elizabeth, Jayden, Paiton, Noah and Amelia; Her siblings: Darlene (Tom) West of Kimballton; Ed (Vickie) Andersen of Kirkman; and Joyce (Merlene) Ostebee of Audubon; and a brother-in-law Duane Deist of Audubon.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Judith Deist and Pat (Tom) Custer.
**The family respectfully requests that memorial donations be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church Audio/Visual Equipment Fund or to Leukemia Research**

Tributes

Russ and Mary Wulf wrote on Mar 1, 2021:

"Our hearts are saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret may God hold each of you in the palm of his hands. Russ and Mary Gallagher Wulf"

Christy Rickers wrote on Mar 1, 2021:

"I am heartbroken to hear of Margaret\'s passing. She was a lovely and sweet person. Always met me with a smile. I know my parents thought highly of her as well. May God bless the family with peace and warm memories."

Bob paeper wrote on Feb 28, 2021:

"So sorry to hear of the loss of Margaret. She was such a positive person. She will be missed. Sincerely Kathy and Bob paeoer"

Gary Brockelsby wrote on Feb 28, 2021:

"Over 60 years of friendship and caring. This saddens me beyond words for Dennis and his family. Margaret will be missed very much and I feel like a piece of history and and perhaps, even a bit of my heart and soul has been lost. Dennis, I\'m here for you in any way I can help. Lost my last brother less than a week ago . . . another long time friend of Dennis and Margaret. Love and prayers go out to the family."

Kim Woltman wrote on Feb 28, 2021:

"Jerry, sorry for your loss, may God guide your comfort! Kim (Bolster) Woltman"

Cecelia Thelen wrote on Feb 27, 2021:

"To the Backhaus family my sincere prayers. God gathered into his arms a beautiful lady . She will be dearly remembered. Cecelia Thelen "

Andrew Gottsch wrote on Feb 27, 2021:

"She was a great lady and always happy to see you."

Andrew Gottsch wrote on Feb 27, 2021:

"I have great memories of Margaret as one of my moms growing up."

Lana Henningsen wrote on Feb 26, 2021:

"Margaret was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She always had a cheerful smile on her face. I am so very happy we were able to travel together and share so many wonderful memories. RIP "