Margaret Sue Dahlke
Margaret Sue Dahlke passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born on February 13, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Robert A. Feemster, a petroleum engineer, and Kleta G. Feemster (née King).
Margaret spent her early school years in Oklahoma before moving to Houston, where she attended a Lutheran school and later La Mar High School. She continued her education at Texas Woman’s University and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business at the University of Houston. Though she accumulated far more academic units than required—simply because she loved to learn—her father eventually insisted she stop collecting any more and graduate.
Following college, Margaret moved to San Francisco to live with her aunt and soon began her professional career as a technical writer during the early wave of technology start-ups in Palo Alto. A promising job offer later drew her to San Diego, where she moved with a close friend. There she met her first husband and welcomed her son, David.
Another opportunity led Margaret to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, where she thrived as a technical writer working on projects involving stars and space—work she greatly enjoyed. She later moved to Santa Barbara when her husband pursued a post-doctoral program in chemistry at UCSB. When that path no longer worked for her family, she made the difficult decision to divorce and returned to the workforce, joining Ogle Petroleum in accounting.
It was there that she met Richard—also navigating life’s challenges—and the two formed a deep and lasting bond. Their connection grew into a loving partnership that endured for forty-nine years and eleven months, a joyful and devoted marriage that carried her through the rest of her life.
Together, Margaret and Richard traveled widely, exploring the United States, Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and numerous islands. Panama held particular meaning to them both, as they had each studied it in grammar school and delighted in finally seeing it firsthand.
Margaret is survived by her beloved husband, Richard; her brother, Bill Feemster; and three cherished Dahlke stepchildren: Tad (and his wife Jenny), Eric, and Dana. She is also lovingly remembered by seven grandchildren—Alex, Tyler, Izzy, Maddy, Miki, Kyra, and TK—and three great-grandchildren: Harper, Emmy, and Wesley.
Margaret was a sweet, gentle, and loving woman whose warmth touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed. May God take her hand. Amen.
In lieu of flowers a donation to the Disabled American Veterans, Boys and Girls Scouts of America, Wounded Warriors or your choice.
