Obituary of Margaret Helen Crist

Margaret Helen Nashland Crist passed away on June 20, 2024, in Woodbury, Minnesota at the age of 97 years. She was born on November 21,1926 in Ft. Lupton, Colorado to parents Ollie Nashland and Ellen (Brolien) Nashland. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John Marlo Crist, and her son, James Crist. She is survived by her children, Charlotte Crist Schwartz (Charles Schwartz), Tom Crist (Ann), Bill Crist (Julie); 12 Grandchildren, and 14 Great Grandchildren.

Margaret grew up on a farm just North of Severance Colorado. For her 6th birthday she received a Shetland pony and had many good memories with this horse. She attended grade school in Severance and was active in the 4H Club. She graduated from high school in 1945 and went on to study Dietetics at the University of Minnesota. She met her future husband in the Freshman English class. They married on June 27,1948, and purchased a home in Austin, Minnesota where John was employed by the Hormel plant. They tell how they had no money and a debt of $7200….and no car. They had to walk or borrow John’s parents’ car when it was needed.

They moved several times in Austin to larger homes to accommodate the growing family. Margaret was active in her church, Brownies, and League of Women Voters. She enjoyed golfing, sewing, knitting, playing Bridge, and square dancing. In 1965 Margaret purchased the Yarn Shop in Austin which she built up to be a nice business. In 1968 Margaret and John purchased an Airstream trailer in which they had many good trips through the United States and Canada.

In 1983, John retired and they took a trip to Arizona where they purchased a home in Sun City West. Margaret became an active member of the Rip’n’Sew Club. They continued to travel and went to Sweden to visit relatives of Margaret and then on to Norway from where John’s family had emigrated.

In 2016, John passed away at the age of 92 years; Margaret decided to move back to Minnesota to be closer to family. She enjoyed seeing her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren more often.

A private family memorial service is being planned for the Fall. Memorials may be made through https://preshomes.org/give/

Please specify the funds are to go to Stonecrest located in Woodbury, MN for the support of staff.