On Aug. 17, longtime Bushnell resident Marguerite Theobald will reach the milestone of turning 100 years old. My interview with Marguerite was nothing short of a true privilege, as I have known her for many years, as did my grandparents and parents before me. On Aug. 22, the Theobald children will host a reception for their mom at the Bushnell Rec Center from 1-3 p.m. If you are unable to join the family in the celebration, you may send Marguerite a card at 23225 N 1900 Rd., Bushnell, IL 61422.
Marguerite began her life on a farm in Newton, KS as Marguerite Nebergall.
Her father, Lloyd, farmed with horses early on, and later purchased one of the first powered combines. The neighbors were sure this bold expenditure of money would lead to his ruination, but he proved them wrong. Somewhat of an entrepreneur, her father witnessed a highway development going through the corner of their farm. He figured those motorists would need fuel so he hauled gas from a refinery one load at a time in his pickup truck to his little shed on his farm. Lloyd Nebergall’s prediction panned out and he soon sold his share of the family farm to go into the gas station business.
Marguerite graduated from Newton High School and enrolled at Kansas State University in a combined home economics/nursing two year program. Her attendance at the university was interrupted as she had to take a year off to work. It was at Kansas State that she met a veterinary medicine student from North Dakota, Gerald Theobald, who had returned from his service in World War II. The two married and while Gerald finished veterinarian school, Marguerite worked for the Singer (sewing machine) Company for two years.
Gerald’s brother, Bill, was a veterinarian in a small town called Bushnell, Illinois. Once Gerald was done with school, he and Marguerite headed for Bushnell, where a temporary job awaited him, and eventually Bill and Gerald went into a practice of their own. Gerald and Marguerite have four children - Don, Mark, Marilyn and George.
When asked the secret to her longevity, Marguerite graciously attributes it to good genetics and the fact that she always took care of herself. She paid attention to her diet and kept physically active, swimming regularly at the Macomb YMCA into her 98th year.
She also believes in keeping her mind active and still, at the age of 100, drives her car, plays bridge, sews and participates in church activities at the Bushnell United Methodist Church.
Prior to our interview at the beautiful Theobald farm east of Bushnell, Marguerite had been out to coffee with friends, something she does most Wednesdays. And she drove herself.
Put Aug. 22 on your calendar and stop by Marguerite Theobald’s 100th birthday celebration at the Bushnell Rec Center,
