Margaret J. Croal was born on July 28, 1935 in Independence, IA the daughter of Charles L and Ethel B (Bice) Bare. She attended country schools near Independence and graduated from the Independence High School in 1953. She received her LPN degree from the University of Iowa college of Nursing, Iowa City, IA. in 1953 she married Glen E. Cornwell and the couple made their home in Midway, IA, they later divorced. In 1966. She married Michael T. Croal, and the couple owned and operated the Croal’s Nest Tavern and Grocery in Volga, IA. The couple later divorced., and she continued to operate the Croal’s Nest. She was employed with the Mental Health Institute in Independence, IA, for fourteen years prior to her retirement in 1997. Margaret died Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the ABCM Rehabilitation Center’s West Campus in Independence, IA.
She enjoyed raising pure bred Shetland Ponies, teaching her children to ride, gardening, antiquing, camping, and had a passion for reading.
Survivors include five children; Nancy (Randy) Fredrich of Independence, IA, Mary Shea (Scott Paul) of Volga, IA, Fred Cornwell of Elkader, IA, Patrick (Linda) Croal of West Union, Donna (Dave) Sweet, Winthrop, IA; six grandchildren Therresa Huisman of Des Moines, IA, Tommy (Missy) Shea of Wadena, IA, Bill Slattery of Iowa City, IA, Eric Croal of Oelwein, IA, Ebbie Sweet of Winthrop, IA, Collin Croal of West Union, IA ; five Great Grandchildren Ashley Huisman of Des Moines, IA, Ryan Pritchard of St. Olaf, IA, Morgan Chase, and McKenzie Shea both of Wadena, IA. Two brothers; Keith (Jan) Bare, Emmetsburg, IA, and Norman (Lea) Bare, Kimberling City, MO. And numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Lois Huber, Mary Nelson, a brother; Gifford Bare, a brother-in-law; Ronnie Nelson, and a sister-in-law; Barbara Bare.

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