Margaret H. Schlachter

Margaret H. Schlachter died on December 20, 2025 in Omaha at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Hastings, Margaret’s life was rich with joy, faith, and family. She died in the company of her six children and the knowledge of their abiding love. Margaret was preceded in death in 2023 by her husband of 65 years, Edward J. SchlachterMargaret Lucile Haley was born and raised in Hartington, Nebraska and attended Creighton University, where she met Ed. They were married in 1958. After a brief stint in Cleveland, Ohio, the young couple returned to Nebraska, settling in Hastings in 1963, where Ed established a retail pharmacy.

Margaret and Ed were blessed with six children: Stephen (Fiona), Anne (Leanne Ziettlow), John (Jody), Mark (Beth), Paul (Kathleen Myers), Matthew (Jennifer), and seven grandchildren.

In addition to wrangling six children born over 10 years, Margaret was an active member of the Hastings community, playing leadership roles in organizations including the League of Women Voters and P.E.O., and supporting vital community resources such as the Hastings Library Foundation and the United Way of South Central Nebraska.

For several years, Margaret was employed as a librarian at Hastings College, where she guided student work-study activities and applied a stern eye to loafers and layabouts. She also served for many years on the Board of Directors at the Hartington Telephone Company.

To her children Margaret was a guiding presence, a ready conspirator, and the final arbiter of squabbles large and small. She was careful to never show favoritism, and yet each of the six are quite convinced they were her clear preference. She was the most cautious of card players, making her the perfect counterpart to her beloved husband and an occasional frustration to her partners. She adored her community of friends, with whom she shared her life in Hastings for over 60 years. They formed book and birthday clubs, participated in local and civic organizations, and were trusted confidants as they built their families.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Margaret is survived by her brother Clarence E. (Tim) Haley of Norfork, NE. She was preceded in death by her elder sister Katharine.

A memorial service for Margaret will be held in Hastings at a date to be announced. Her many friends are encouraged to consider making a contribution in her name to the Josie Harper Hospice House.