64631_Marguerite ~Sis~ L._Haight
MASON CITY: Marguerite “Sis” L. Haight, 86, of Mason City, IA, died Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, with Rev. Sean McRoberts officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made in her name to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Federal Bldg #566, 210 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309-2107.
Marguerite was born on November 15, 1926, in Mason City, IA, the daughter of August and Mary (Mannens) VerHelst. In 1945, she graduated from Mason City High School. She married Keith L. Haight on Feb. 11, 1948, in Mason City. Over the years, Marguerite worked at Krieger’s Green House, World Wide College of Auctioneering, Senior Center, and Roosevelt Head Start. She also opened up her home as a “Safe House” for battered women. Marguerite was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pleasant Ridge Club, VFW Auxiliary, P.O.W. (Germany), D.A.V., and a 4H Leader of the Mason Thrifty Fixers. She also delivered meals on wheels as a volunteer. Marguerite was very family oriented and enjoyed “catching up” with her extended family at reunions and gatherings. She also enjoyed cooking for family and friends, gardening, spending time outdoors, and in her younger years: playing softball and catch. She had a caring heart and often befriended “random strangers”.
Marguerite is survived by her daughter: Julie Haight of Richfield, Minn.; son: Alan Haight of Mason City, and Balkuu (Barney) Kumangai and wife Laurie, and their daughter Kelsie and son Victor of Koror, Republic of Palau; step-granddaughter: Katie Curran- Lavendoski and husband John of Austin, Texas; step- great- grandchildren: twins, Stephen Thomas Lavendoski and Ester Rose Lavendoski; four sisters-in-law: Doris VerHelst of Nora Springs, Isabelle VerHelst of Mason City, Peggy DeGraffenried of Warsaw, Mo., and Shirley Dean of Mason City. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2001; daughter: Nancy in infancy; son-in-law: Tom Curran; three brothers: Gerald, Raymond and Donald VerHelst; brothers-in-law: Don Sivwright, Paul Poppen and Richard Dean; and two sisters-in-law: Amy Poppen and Charleen Sivwright.
Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com