Margaret Anne (Epp) Hiebner, age 73, of Henderson, NE, died Monday, May 18, 2026 in Henderson. She was born on January 20, 1953, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her parents, Walter B. and Emma (Fliginger) Epp, lived on a farm near Marion, South Dakota. Along with her 2 older brothers and 3 sisters, younger sister and 3 younger brothers, Margaret attended “country” schools in Turner County, South Dakota. She was the last of the family to attend all elementary years in the rural Dolton and Marion area. Margaret enjoyed reading, and competed in spelling and declamation contests. In May 1971 she graduated from Marion High School. Her college education was at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas from 1971-1974 and at Nebraska University in Lincoln from 1989 to December 1991, when she graduated with a BA in History. The family attended Bethel Mennonite Church, near Dolton, where Margaret was baptized on May 30, 1971. After marriage, Margaret joined the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, Nebraska, where she was active in Sunday School, Women’s Mission ministries, writing devotionals, writing and planning Christmas Eve programs, and in later years, editing The Visitor (Bethesda’s monthly newsletter). Her Sunday School class was a source of inspiration and maturation in her spiritual journey, as were her parents and siblings.
While at Bethel, Margaret met Arlin Hiebner, from Henderson, and quickly both knew their future was together. On August 19, 1973, they were married in her home church in South Dakota. In 1974 they moved back to Henderson as Arlin farmed with his cousin Darrell Epp there. To the family were added three sons, Charles, James, and Keith. Eventually, the addition of Jennifer Friesen, Sandrine Avanzato, and Anne Ferugson completed the family, as well as their children, Madison, Fin, William, and Wesley. The family also hosted two MCC Exchange Visitors, Lydie Graber from France, and Barbara Rohnert from Germany. For three years they gave home to foster daughter Tigger Eckstein, and hosted Viktor Burkhert from Germany for one school year.
Margaret enjoyed a variety of jobs over the years, working in hospital, as secretary and as a nurse’s aide; also, in the fields of helping senior citizens and the developmentally challenged. The last (almost) 15 years of employment were at Epworth Village in York, Nebraska. Margaret realized growth and fulfillment in this venue, and felt she had found her calling. Other work experiences include Northern Pump & Irrigation, RSVP.
While at college, Margaret developed a great interest in theatre, and after moving to Henderson, was able to use that interest, working in Community Theatre over the years. In the last production for the community, Margaret had the privilege to assist in the direction for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”. Another pleasure was involvement in 2 book clubs. Traveling and seeing God’s creation, experiencing other ethnic and cultural communities, and visiting family gave opportunity to travel over 27 states, Washington DC, Toronto, and a little of Germany and France. She also traveled vicariously through the experiences related by family and by reading a multitude of books.
Margaret’s family and extended family were very important to her. She worked on genealogy, on photo histories, and on gatherings as a way of preserving family history and keeping familial connections alive. She was particularly interested in keeping up with her children and their families, enjoying any time she could spend with them.
Over the years there were physical and health challenges that required surgeries and changes in Margaret’s life. During those times, Margaret’s family and faith community gave much support. This was greatly appreciated, and helped her and her family through faith, prayer, meals and financial support.
As Margaret left this earthly life, she retained the hope of another reunion with husband, Arlin, her children: Charles and Jen, Madison and Sophia in Lincoln, Nebraska; James and Sandrine, William and Wesley in Metz, France; and Keith and Anne. She is also waiting for reunion with her siblings: Betty Muenchow and family, Arlen & Carol Epp and family, Karl & Karen Kingsley and family, Tom & Diana Graber and family, Norman and Nadine, David & Sonja and family, Charlene Epp & Duncan Smith, John & Beth and family, and Ray and Pam and family, as well as Arlin’s brothers and their families, Lauren and Cecilia, Brian and Mary, and Lyndon and Lori. A multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends are also left with memories and Margaret’s love.
To God be the glory, great things God has done.
Graveside services will be held at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in the Bethesda Cemetery northeast of Henderson, followed by a Memorial service at 10:30 a.m., at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson. Visitation will be held from 1-9 p.m., Monday, with the family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m. that evening, all at Metz Mortuary in Henderson. Memorials may be directed to Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park, or Mennonite Disaster Services.