Margaret Backus

Margaret E. Kraker was born October 20, 1922 in Ogema, MN to John and Mary Ann (Lorsung) Kraker. She was raised in Ogema where she also attended grade school. She graduated from Waubun High School in 1940. Margaret furthered her education at the Detroit Lakes Business College. After her schooling, she moved to Berkeley, CA where she took a job for the state of California doing secretarial work. Margaret was united in marriage to Charles Erickson on February 6, 1948 in Berkeley. They resided in Berkeley until retirement. They later moved to Bend, Oregon to enjoy their summer retirement years and wintered in Arizona. Charles passed away on September 20, 1987.   On February 3, 1990 she was united in marriage to Vernon Backus in Las Vegas, NV. Together they moved to Ogema, MN, where Margaret soon became very active in Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Vernon passed away March 14, 1999. With her strong faith, she took on many duties that involved cleaning, doing laundry, and setting up for Masses along with making sure everything was in order. In her spare time, Margaret would often visit the elderly whether it was at a nursing home or hospital. She enjoyed playing cards, when her sisters would talk her into playing, but most importantly visiting and writing letters to her family and friends.

Margaret will be remembered by her stepson: Frank (Denise) Backus of Thompson Station, TN, six step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters: Florence James of Walnut Creek, CA, Mildred (Val) Caspers of Ogema, MN and Betty (Cecil “Skeeb”) Cook of Frazee, MN, two brothers: James Kraker of Jacksonville, FL and Leonard (Betty) Kraker of Sioux City, IA along with several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 1 ^st husband Charles Erickson (1987), 2 ^nd husband Vernon Backus (1999), two sisters and two brothers.