Margaret Ann Randecker

Margaret Ann Randecker, of Massbach, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, surrounded by her family at Midwest Medical Center Senior Care Facility. She was 86. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Massbach, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery.

Margaret was born on September 12, 1938, in Freeport, IL, the youngest of two children to LeRoy “Weed” and Miriam (Fehr) Farnam. Raised in a musical household, she inherited her parents’ passion and talent for performance, though her mother was adamant she learn from others. She attended Freeport Schools and graduated in 1956, proudly identifying with her close-knit group of friends known as "The Chicks of '56," a bond that endured throughout her life.

It was at the Elroy Roller Rink where Margaret met the love of her life, Allen Randecker. A serendipitous encounter led to a lifetime of devotion, and within a year, they were married. Together, they built a home and a life in Massbach, where they raised five children and shared 64 years of marriage before Allen’s passing in 2024.

Margaret was the heart of her family and her farm. In addition to raising her children and managing farm life—including cattle, chickens, turkeys, pigs, dairy cows, and rabbits—she worked alongside Allen as his realtor selling his model homes during his years in construction. Later, she served over 20 years as a secretary for the Extension Service. Even in retirement, she continued to work part-time at World Class Imports in Galena, IL.

A woman of deep faith and musical gifting, Margaret was the organist for St. John's and Christ Lutheran Churches and was actively involved in teaching Bible school, Sunday school, and directing church choirs. Music filled her home, which was adorned with four organs and a baby grand piano—a testament to her lifelong dedication to song and worship.

Margaret expressed her artistic talents through numerous crafts, including scratch art, jewelry-making, stained glass, ceramics, macramé, and cake decorating. She and Allen would often travel to local art fairs to share her creations. She also found joy in watching sports, particularly cheering on her grandchildren at their games, never missing a chance to be present. She was a nurturer by nature, a woman whose love was as strong as her guidance. Her door—and heart—were always open. Margaret had a gift for conversation and a smile that could light up any room.

Margaret is survived by her children, Debra (Mark) Heidenreich, of Stockton, IL, Jeffrey (Sharon) Randecker, of Elizabeth; Carolyn (David) Hellyer, of Ames, IA, Kimberly (Thomas) Brucker, of Sibley, IL, and Janet (Joseph) Dvorak, of Stockton; 13 grandchildren, Timothy (Dannielle) Heidenreich, of Chadwick, IL, David (Anna) Heidenreich, of Bettendorf, IA, Jonathon Heidenreich, of Stockton, William (Jaycee) Heidenreich, of Warren, IL, Justin (Dana Groom) Randecker, of Shullsburg, WI, Ryan (Shannon) Randecker, of Elizabeth, Paul Hellyer of Ames, Jennay (Forest) Rowley, of Ames, Eli Brucker, of Sibley, IL, Isaac Brucker, of Fort Liberty, NC, Aaron Dvorak, of Dubuque, IA, Colin Dvorak, of Whidbey Island, WA, and Jared (Emily Dahlman) Dvorak, of Stockton, IL; 11 great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Malia, Matthew, Gavin, Paxton, Andi, Leo, Layla, Hazel-Ann, Otto, and Waylon, with another great granddaughter on the way; two sister-in-laws, Ione Mueller, of Mt. Carroll, IL and Norma Randecker, of Freeport; nephew Doug (Vivian Bright) Witt of Lindenwood, IL; and her cousin, Jim Lenz of Chicago, IL.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, Allen Randecker; parents, LeRoy “Weed” and Miriam Farnam; sister, Barbara Jean Paul; sister-in-law, Phyllis Jean (Harold) Miller; brother-in-law, Robert (Linda) Randecker; brother-in-law, Fred Mueller; niece, Terrie Miller; nephews, Larry Miller and Randy Gelwick; and father and mother-in-law, William and Mildred Randecker.