Margaret Rand, 75, of Parker, SD has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
These few paragraphs cannot hold a life, but they may carry a memory.
Born in 1950, Margaret began a life that would touch many along the way.
Margaret held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is a quiet companion through a long life. Margaret's walked beside her.
Margaret Rand, 75 of Parker, passed away on December 18, 2025 at the Sanford USD Medical Center surrounded by her family. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church, Parker. A lunch will precede the burial at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home, Parker. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.Margaret was born on February 11, 1950 to Heiko and Gunda Poppenga, and grew up in Lennox, South Dakota. On May 14, 1966, she married Merle Berens, and together they welcomed three children: Jane, Terry, and Dawn. After Merle's passing, Margaret later found love again and married Larry Rand on July 1, 1989.Throughout her life, Margaret was a hard worker and a familiar face to many in the community. She worked for many years at Kelley's Bar, Parker School, and Jones Food Center. Outside of work, she lived life on her own terms. She enjoyed riding horses with the Parker Saddle Club, motorcycle riding, and spending many memorable years in Sturgis with her crew.Margaret was a strong, stubborn, fiercely independent woman, often saying, "I'm fine, it's fine, everything is fine," no matter what life threw her way. Through all the loss and challenges she endured; she remained resilient. Most of all, she loved her family deeply and cherished time spent together. She will be remembered for her spunky personality, infectious laugh, and unwavering strength.She is survived by her daughters Jane (Harvey) Hertel, Dawn (Paul) Muller; sister Eunice Schultz; grandchildren Taya (Kurt) Runge, Tiffeny (Dana) Keller, Tessa Hertel (Ryan Guericke), Kyle (Breanna) Berens, Megan (Matt) Feist, and Orson Muller; and great-grandchildren Valerie Runge, Tevin Keller, Brinlee Keller, and Avery Berens. Along with many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Heiko and Gunda Poppenga; brother Reggie Poppenga; husbands Merle Berens and Larry Rand; mother- and father-in-law Marlyn and Carol Rand; son Terry Berens; and grandson Gerard Muller.
