Margaret, or Markie, as many called her, was born in Wisconsin Rapids on June 22, 1940, and grew up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the eldest daughter of Glen and Rachel Grimm. Memories from her childhood often included stories of summers spent visiting cousins on their farm, along with her brother, Michael, and her sister, Mary. Her beloved Aunt Mae Burns lived nearby and was a loving presence throughout her life. Margaret met her husband, Bill Kingsbury, while they were both students at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Bill and Margaret often liked to tell the story about how they met on the shores of Lake Mendota, where Bill first met Markie and soon asked if she wanted to go have a beer. She hopped on the back of his motorcycle and had many wonderful adventures; they celebrated 62 years of marriage in August. Together they raised five children who shared in those adventures. Bill G. Kingsbury of Madison, Wisconsin, Mike (Genio Rodarte) of Denver, Margaret M. (Nam Sun Cho) of Haslett, MI, Bob (Sue Shepich) of Lansing, and Judy (Leslie Grossberg) of Madison. Margaret’s grandchildren, Hannah and Noah Cho, brought great joy to her life.
From an early age Margaret knew she wanted to be a nurse. At the age of 15, she started as a nurse’s aide at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point. She went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin in 1962 and her master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1986. She took great pride in her nursing career, which lasted 60 years and included positions in Chicago, Mount Carmel Mercy in Detroit, Ingham Medical Center and Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, and Gardner Wellness Center for Women, as well as serving many years as a nursing instructor at Lansing Community College.
In addition to being devoted to her family and nursing, Margaret was a committed peace activist since the time of the Vietnam War. She was deeply committed to working for peace and social justice throughout her adult life, and she valued the friendships she made through those causes. Bill and Margaret enjoyed traveling and vacationing with family, especially their yearly vacations to Blue Lake Resort in northern Michigan. She loved her Blue Lake family. In Lansing, she and Bill were enthusiastic attendees of the Ten Pound Fiddle folk concerts, and they loved listening to “Folk with Matt Watroba” on the radio on Sunday nights. They also greatly enjoyed the times spent with the dear friends they made at the EagleMonk Pub in Lansing. The love and support from these wonderful groups of friends cannot be overstated.
The family would like to thank Margaret’s outstanding caregivers, Angie and Jamie, for the love and attention they gave to Margaret in her recent years, which made it possible for her to stay in the home she dearly loved.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Bill, their children and grandchildren, her sister, Mary Wilson, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Michael Grimm, and her cousins, Nick Burns and Dan Burns.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn Road, East Lansing, with a luncheon to follow.
Publisher’s Note: Margaret was a friend and a subscriber to The New Citizens Press. She was a massive presence in my life. She would call occasionally and let me know what she thought about certain city or Southside-related issues. She will be terribly missed.
