Margaret Antoinette (Scheel) Stapper

Margaret Antoinette (Scheel) Stapper, 87, the eldest of eight children, was born on January 11, 1939, in Blanco, Texas, and passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, in Ozona, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, parents Eugen and Elenora Scheel, brother Charlie, sisters Rose Korpi and Agnes Williams, and brother- and sister-in-law Leroy and Annie Stapper.

Margaret began school at Honey Creek in Bulverde, and when her family moved to Marion, she completed her secondary education, graduating from Marion High School as the Salutatorian in 1957. After her graduation, she was employed by USAA. She was so proud that her early paychecks went to buy groceries for her family, as well as Christmas gifts for her younger brothers and sisters. Following in the family tradition, Margaret became very involved in music and taught herself how to play accordion and organ. Margaret was the first organist at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marion in 1954 when it was founded. She played accordion in her father’s Western swing band, “The Happy Go Luckies”, from 1953 to 1956. In 1977, she assumed the role as principal organist at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Honey Creek for 26 years until she moved to Ft. McKavett, Texas, with the family ranching operation. Again, she shared her musical talent as she became the assistant organist at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Junction for 12 years. After marriage, she became a stay-at-home mother, and later became the bookkeeper for L.D. Krause Construction Co. for over 30 years, plus kept the books for the Stapper Ranch Partnership.

In 1960, she married Ralph Stapper, with whom she shared almost 65 wonderful years of marriage. She was quite proud of her three sons, all of whom graduated from Texas A&M University with degrees in Agriculture, and who all supported her in her church choir at some point in time.

A dedicated community member, Margaret was a devout Catholic and active member of her church communities. At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Honey Creek, she served as organist, CCD teacher and coordinator, and was a member of Altar Society. She was also active in St. Theresa’s Catholic Handmaidens and the choir. She was an active member of the Comal County A&M Mothers’ Club and a member of the Ft. McKavett Volunteer Fire Dept. Alongside Ralph, she managed the Sherwood 4-H Club for many years, and was also a member of Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Assoc.

She was known far and wide for her homemade cookies. Every Christmas she baked at least ten different kinds and made up plates of them to give away. She sent more cookies than you can count to college with her boys, so they always had dessert.

Margaret is survived by her three sons, Jeffrey (Veronica), Reginald (Becky), and Carlon (Ann); nine grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren; as well as sisters Leona Davenport and Carolyn (John) Stoll, brothers Frank (Joyce) and Henry, sister-in-law Gerri and brother-in-law Wayne Korpi, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Margaret’s life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, music, and community. Her legacy will live on through those who knew and loved her. May her memory bring comfort to all who were touched by her life.

Funeral arrangements for Margaret are:

Visitation: Preddy Funeral Home, Ozona, Texas on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 5-7 p.m.

Rosary and visitation: St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Junction, Texas, Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Funeral mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Chapel), Honey Creek, Texas, Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the cemetery.

Special thanks to the employees of Crockett County Care Center and Excela Care (formally Interim Hospice), for the loving and comforting care of Margaret.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a memorial donation to your favorite charity in her name.