Margreta Elizabeth Harkenrider, age 56, of Lansing, IL passed away on August 2, 2024, enveloped in love, following a valiant 6-year battle against pancreatic cancer. Margreta is survived by her siblings: Daniel J., Mary F. (Stephen Yokich), Teresa A. (late Stephen Spicer), Katrina M. Corse (late Robert), Angela C. Kvasnica (William), Thomas F. (Silvia Koscak), and Matthew P. (Ann Haggerty), along with her dearest friend, George A. Smith. Margreta was cherished by her many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul R. and Anna C. (McArdle) Harkenrider, and her brothers, Paul M., Michael T., and John W.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Friday, August 9, at 10:30 am at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 9640 Kennedy Ave, Highland, IN. Interment will follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Glenwood, IL. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 8, at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd, Lansing, IL from 3-8 pm, beginning with the Rosary in Margreta's honor.

Margreta obtained her Nursing Degree and spent her nursing career caring for the elderly before caring for her own parents later in their lives. Feisty, sweet and loyal are words that describe Margreta, all underpinned by love. She loved her big family, but especially one-on-one time with a nephew, niece, sibling or in-law. She loved her Catholic faith, and enjoyed her daily rosary and readings. Having had a spiritual awakening later in life, she shared her experience, strength and hope one day at a time. She impressed all with her strength throughout her journey!

In her free time, Margreta enjoyed the tranquility of nature: walking in the Forest Preserves, taking in the beauty of a colorful Lake Michigan sunset, or boating at Bass Lake. She also appreciated the beauty of the lakes and woods in Hayward, WI and the deserts, mountains, and rock formations surrounding Las Vegas.

Margreta was blessed to have an incredible team of doctors, nurses and health professionals at the University of Chicago Medical Center (led throughout by Dr. Chih-Yi "Andy" Liao) who cared for her start to finish. No one could ask for a better team!

Margreta loved nature, protected abused animals, and fought her cancer heroically. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity aligned with her values.