Margaret Olga Colburn passed away October 3, 2026. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 8, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair, NE. Graveside services will be held in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, NE at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2026. M a r g a r e t (Maggie) Olga Colbur n was born March 12, 1934, in Mission SD, to Walter Ernest and Elizabeth Bertha Gassman who had immigrated from Switzerland in 1928. She joined her brothers Walter, Max, and Ronald, in their 12 X 14 sod farmhouse. Later in 1934 they moved a couple of miles to a larger 12 X 24- foot sod home. When Maggie was three her family moved to a farm with larger wood frame home with a barn. At eight and a half, she welcomed her younger brother Ted, she spent much of her time caring for him and helping on the farm. Maggie’s favorite memory of her parent’s farm was the big hay loft in the barn. She told stories of spending hours playing in the hay loft with her brothers. On her parent’s farm Maggie learned many of the values that would remain with her throughout her life—faith, family, hard work, and caring for others. On February 14, 1951, Maggie married Richard Arnold Colburn, and welcomed five children: Elizabeth, Jane, Roy, Karen, and Andy. Maggie and her family spent their younger years in Gravette AK before eventually settling back in Nebraska living in Valentine and Ainsworth as a farm wife. After 25 years of being a farm wife, the farm and her marriage were dissolved. Maggie moved to Omaha where she later met and married Ken Fredericksen. They lived in Omaha, Bassett, and Blair Nebraska. Maggie managed apartments and was a senior activities director in Blair for many years. As her health declined Maggie moved in with her daughter Karen and her husband Steve. Maggie’s life was marked by unconditional love, a strong work ethic, a gentle spirit, and a deep and abiding faith. She faced the joys and challenges of life with quiet strength and perseverance. Through life’s many ups and downs, her faith sustained her and gave her the strength to continue loving, caring, and giving herself to those around her. Family was at the heart of Maggie’s life. Her love was shown not simply through words, but through the countless everyday ways she cared for those she loved. She gave generously of her time and herself, and her gentle presence brought comfort and reassurance to her family. She was a wonderful, caring mother. Maggie had a green thump making all plants thrive and loved having a large, beautiful garden and many h o u s e p l a n t s . She was an expert seamstress; she mended and sewed clothes even making wedding dresses for her three daughters, and a suit for Richard. She was always busy cleaning, baking, cooking wonderful meals, canning, sewing, gardening or spending time with her kids and grandchildren. Highlights in her life included trips to Hawaii, Honduras, and Switzerland. In her spare time Maggie loved to paint pictures and watch Bob Ross, Antiques Roadshow and the Walton’s. Margaret left this earthly life on October 3, 2026, surrounded by daughters and granddaughters — a fitting reflection of a life centered on family and love. She is survived by her brother Ted and wife Jody; daughters, Elizabeth Blue and husband Steve, Jane Rossenbach and significant other Paul, and Karen Lundgren and husband Steve; son, Roy; as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and those whose lives were touched by her love. Maggie was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Richard; second husband Ken; son, Andy; daughter-in-law, Barbie; and great great granddaughter Mayci. Those who loved Margaret will remember her for her gentle spirit, her willingness to work hard, her unconditional love, and the quiet faith that carried her throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Though her earthly journey has ended, the love she gave so freely remains. Her family gives thanks for her long life, for the memories they shared, and for the faith that assures them that love does not end with death. Maggie was well loved, will be deeply remembered, and forever a part of those whose lives she touched.
