Margaret H. Schlachter

Margaret H. Schlachter

Margaret H. Schlachter died on December 20, 2025, in Omaha at the age of 90, and in memory of her long and joyous life in Hastings, the Schlachter family will host an open house celebration of Margaret on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at The Lark (809 W. 2nd Street). All are welcome to join this opportunity to recall and rejoice in Margaret’s contributions to the Hastings community. This celebration will be preceded by a private graveside service. There will be a book signing on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.

Margaret Lucile Haley was born and raised in Hartington, Nebraska, and attended Creighton University, where she met Edward J. Schlachter, who preceded her in death in 2023 after 65 years of marriage. 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 Norfolk, NE. She was preceded in death by her elder sister Katharine.