Margaret A. Schandel

Margaret was born in Amboy on December 25, 1911, the daughter of Edward and Alvina (Wojahn) Schwarz.She graduated from Amboy High School, attended Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She was a dental hygienist in the Minneapolis elementary schools and worked in private practice for four years. She married Harry Schandel in Minneapolis on September 2, 1939. When Harry went into the Army in 1943 she lived with her sister in Minneapolis when their son was born - then briefly in Amboy with her father before moving to Blue Earth in 1945. Harry died in 1997.Schandel was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church having served there as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Choir member and various chairmanships. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie leader and the Red Cross Bloodmobile Chairman. She was the first food chairman for the county Red Cross Disaster Committee. She was president of the local American Legion Auxiliary and served as an officer in the second district auxiliary. During those years she was a member of the Blue Earth Auxiliary Unit''s Vocal Sextet. They frequently sang for meetings and, while active, sang at memorial services at Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth. On the state level the sextet won music contests four years in a row.Schandel worked as a dental hygienist in the office of Dr. Jerry Thoreson for 30 years. The dental hygiene profession was growing and she organized the members in this component area, serving as a trustee. She was secretary to the state association in 1980-81. In 1982 she was chosen their "member of the year."In 1975 she received the American Dental Hygiene Association''s "Award of Merit." In 1995 she was honored by receiving the Marion Leeben''s Membership Award.Once a year for five years she worked with the Faribault County Nursing Service, visiting the county schools and conducting fluoride brush-in programs. She served as chairman of the advisory board for the local high school''s medial careers program and advised a similar program in Wells, MN. In 1985 the Mitchell Chautaqua Circle honored her as their "Woman of Achievement."Margaret was interested in politics and served several years as president of the Blue Earth Republican Club. She is survived by her Son, George "Jud" Schandel of Pheonix, Az. her daughter, Gaynell "Gay" Schandel of Minneapolis, her daughter, Lisbeth "Bitsy" (& husband Don) Peacock of Maplewood, her granddaughter, Amelia of St. Paul and several nieces and nephews.