Margaret Jean Gotschall

Margaret Jean "Peg" Gotschall age 80 passed away June 24, 2009 at her home in Cambridge, Ohio. She was born on December 25, 1928 in Dover, Ohio the only daughter of the late Carl Benjamin and Ruth Ellen Peter Pfeiffer. Margaret graduated from Dover High School in 1946 and Muskingum College in 1950. She then taught school for one year at Bloomfield School in Ludlow Twp, Washington County, Ohio. She gained much insight into people and various cultures during this time. She carried this experience and many acquaintances throughout her life and considered it a most rewarding opportunity. In 1951 she married H. Dale Gotschall whom she met while at Muskingum College. After marriage Margaret and Dale began their life and family together in Dover, Ohio. Following Dale's appointment to a position at Holidaysburg State Hospital in Pennsylvania they moved to that town. In 1961 the family located to Cambridge where Margaret lived for the rest of her life. Margaret was a member of the Dover First Moravian Church during her youth and the first years of marriage. After relocating to Cambridge she joined Westminister Presbyterian Church where she was a member for many years before rejoining the Dover Moravian Church. Margaret had never lost touch of the Moravian church and was a very dedicated member and active in researching its heritage, customs, and music. She was proud of her ancestors' roles and history within the church and enjoyed sharing the customs with family, friends, and younger generations. Margaret was an avid collector and researcher of antiques, glassware, and historical items. She also had much interest in art and was a long time member of the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild having been involved during the early years of the Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival. She was a long time member of the Guernsey Memorial Hospital/ Southeastern Med Women's auxillary and contributed greatly in their annual Christmas Bazaars. For many years, Margaret supplied hand painted wooden Christmas ornaments, which her father crafted for her by the hundreds. She was a past Red Cross volunteer at GMH. Margaret enjoyed travel with her family and friends and enjoyed learning about the geography, people, crafts, and customs of the areas where she traveled. In later years though not able to travel she enjoyed hearing of her family's adventures and sharing her experiences with them. Margaret was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted caregiver for her parents and husband. She will always be remembered as a very caring person who put others before self and cherished time spent with family.Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Rebecca Jean Gotschall, a son Jeffrey Lloyd Gotschall, and a daughter-in-law, Caren Sue Gotschall. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, H. Dale Gotschall, sons: Douglas, Mark Jodi, and Bradley Donna Gotschall all of Cambridge and daughter-in-law Andrea Gotschall of Columbus, Oh. Also she is survived by grandchildren Stephanie Gotschall of Miami, Florida, Benjamin Gotschall of Sandusky, OH., Joseph, Dale, Gregory and Sarah Gotschall all of Cambridge, and Emily and Molly Gotschall of Columbus, Oh.In keeping with Margaret's wishes there will be no viewing or visiting hours. A graveside service will be held Friday June 26, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Gnadenhutten Cemetery on Cherry Street in Gnadenhutten, Ohio with Rev. Al Bergmann officiating. A meal will follow for family and friends at the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church 145 S. Walnut Street Gnadenhutten, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to Moravian Music Foundation 457 South Church Street Winston Salem, NC 27101 or to Hospice of Guernsey P.O. 1165 Cambridge, Ohio 43725. On-line coldolences can be sent to www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.

Margaret Jean Gotschall

December 25, 1928 - June 24, 2009