Margaret Nunemaker Obituary

Margaret Ann Nunemaker, a long time resident of St. Johns and native of Maple Rapids, Michigan, died peacefully on July 9, 2025, at Hazel Findlay Country Manor in St. Johns. She was 80 years old.

Born in St. Johns on June 13, 1945, Margaret was the daughter of Marvin and Minnie (Parkerson) Nunemaker. A 1963 graduate of Fulton High School, she continued her education at Goshen College in Indiana and later earned her Master's Degree in Education from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Margaret began her teaching career in Middlebury, Indiana, but soon returned home to devote herself to the students of Fulton Schools. Over the years, she served as an elementary teacher and counselor at Fulton Elementary, taught physical education and health at Fulton High School, and made a lasting impact as a coach and Athletic Director. She coached volleyball, basketball, and track, and was honored as a Lansing State Journal Coach of the Year. Under her leadership, several volleyball teams advanced to championship finals.

She also worked as a medical assistant with the Clinton County Medical Center and was a dedicated member of Bethel Mennonite Church in Ashley. Margaret was deeply rooted in her faith, regularly attending Bible study and reading scripture. She was firm in her beliefs, outspoken, and known for her strong moral compass.

To her students and athletes, she was affectionately called "Sarge." To her great-nieces and nephews, she was lovingly known as "Maggie Monster." Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the church pew, Margaret led with conviction and heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Bill Nemetz; and her nephew, Marvin Todd Nunemaker.

Surviving are her sister, Marvia Nemetz of Maple Rapids; brothers, Samuel E. (Jean) Nunemaker of Spartanburg, South Carolina and Bill (Connie) Nunemaker of Shevlin, MN; nephews and nieces, John "Brad" (Sheri) Smeltzer, Samuel Nunemaker, Angela Easterday, Anita (Jeremy) Viele, and Paul Nemetz, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews who loved and admired her deeply.

Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Tuesday, July 15, from 3 to 7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 16, at 11 AM. Cremation will follow, with interment in Collier Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Margaret's name to the Maple Rapids Library or to Fulton Schools Athletics.