Margaret L. (Peggy) Nelson died April 12, 2026, in Rochester, MN.

Margaret was born on August 31, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, to William and Margaret Hofschult. Her family moved to Rochester in 1938. She graduated from Lourdes High School in 1944 and attended Rochester Junior College from 1970-1972. IN 1944, she married Robert J. Nelson. Margaret and Robert farmed in Marion Township until 1959. She then returned to the work force and was employed as a Secretary for the Department of Public Utilities, head cashier at People's Natural Gas, Secretary to the County Auditor, and Secretary, Bailiff, and Courtroom Clerk for an Olmsted County District Court Judge. Robert and Margaret were divorced in 1974.

In 1973, she moved to St. Paul where she was employed as Secretary to a Federal Bankruptcy Judge for seven years, and then as a Supervisor of Ramsey County Judicial Court Assignments until her retirement in 1987.

Margaret married Robert J. Carlson in 1998. They were later divorced but remained best friends until his death.

After her retirement, she resided in Raleigh, North Carolina, Maplewood, Lake City, Cottage Grove, Zumbrota, and returned to Rochester in 2006.

Margaret is survived by her children Sherry (Gary) Lampman of Hudson, Wisconsin, Deborah (Martin) Chamoff of Raleigh, North Carolina, Mark (Karen) of Rochester, Denis (Deborah) of Rochester, Christopher (Tracy) of White Bear Lake and son-in-law Geoff Garwick of Burnsville; seventeen grandchildren, and thirty-two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son John R. Nelson, daughter Dr. Mary Beth Nelson-Garwick, brother Donald Hofschult, and sisters Elaine Reid and June Conroy.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Fr. Shawn Haremza officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to Association of the Miraculous Medal and Pax Christi Catholic Church.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com