Margaret A. Zoellick (nee Ness), age 95, who was a resident of Lansing for 65 years, passed away on June 12, 2026. She is survived by son James (Lorie), daughter Karen (John Lahola), son Roy (Jacqueline), grandsons Kurt (Kimberly), Ben (Grace) and Neal (Amy Janik) Zoellick, Joseph and Thomas Lahola, Daniel (Kaitlyn), Karl and Timothy Zoellick, and eight great grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents John and Gertrude Ness, husband Ralph, and brother Kenneth (Lorraine) Ness.

Margaret was born in Chicago in 1930 to Norwegian immigrants John and Gertrude Ness. In 1954, she married Ralph, who was a fellow member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chicago, and they settled in Lansing, IL. Together they raised three children and subsequently were blessed with eight grandsons, and ultimately eight great grandchildren. Ralph and Marge prioritized spending time with family and friends, and bringing them all together for great vacations and seasonal trips, and they many three visits to Norway to see family and learn about her family history.

Marge had a very strong faith in Jesus as her Savior. She was honest, vibrant, kind, and was admired by anyone who would come to know her. Her children considered that she was always optimistic. She was active in Ladies Aid, Bible studies, and other activities at St. John's Lutheran Church, including leading the funeral lunch serving group. She and Ralph both were choir members.

For many years, Marge was an avid bowler, and sometimes traveled to bowling tournaments. She very much enjoyed playing the piano. Even within the last several months, she was able to play Mary Had a Little Lamb, although being unable to verbalize. Her work history included working after high school in Chicago as a stenographer, and she was a typist in her second career. Most importantly of all, she was a mom to her children, and subsequently loved to be active as a doting grandmother.

Many may not know that Marge was a collector of recipes, most of which were never used, and a saver of photographs and crafts. She was known to be frugal, often reminding her children, "I lived through the great depression." Favorite foods included potato chips, popcorn, ice cream, granola bars and, of course, jello. Favorite meals included casseroles, baked chicken, and Aurelio's pizza. Oh, and we shouldn't forget vegetables that were always prepared by boiling.

Friends are invited to visit with Marge's family on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at St John's Lutheran Church, 18100 Wentworth Avenue, Lansing, IL (corner of Wentworth and Randolph). Her funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 AM followed by interment at Oak Glen Cemetery in Lansing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marge's name to St John's Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

Marge easily made friends everywhere and will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.