Margaret Wolhowe

Margaret Ann Wolhowe, 87, of Staples passed away peacefully on June 7, 2023, at Lakewood Health System Care Center with her husband Tom of 61 years, and her family by her side.  She was born on July 25, 1935, in Morris MN to Ed and Laverna Heil of Hancock MN. 

She graduated from Hancock High School in 1953. Margaret graduated from Minneapolis Technical College as a Lab Technician and worked in Alexandria and Morris. During this time, she met the new teacher and coach at Hancock High.  Together they enjoyed time with family and friends, dancing, playing games, going to town team baseball games, and bowling.  They have been an amazing team ever since.  They were married on December 26, 1961. 

Tom’s budding coaching career moved them to Starbuck where they started their family and built deep friendships that continue to this day. In 1970, they made the move to Staples and laid down their roots.  Margaret’s career pivoted to a homemaker and being the captain of team Wolhowe.

Faith and community were the foundation for Margaret and Tom.  Margaret was an active church member, especially with alter guild, Lutefisk suppers, funerals, and the church bulletin.  She was also an active volunteer at the Food Shelf.

Family was the focus of Margaret’s life.  Her joy was family gatherings, supporting their activities and sports, trying new recipes, and serving others.  She also cherished camping with family.

Margaret will be deeply missed by her husband, Tom;  children Craig (Michelle) of Staples; Kristi (Jeff) Halverson of Upsala, and Kari (Bob) Hartley of Bella Vista AR; grandchildren Derek (Kristine), Brooke, Grace, Claire Wolhowe; Sierra, Jeffrey, Jeremy Halverson, step-grandchildren Rob (Vicky) Hartley, Darryl Hartley; great grandchildren Cassidy and Brody Hartley, Bennett and Raegan Wolhowe; brother Charles Heil, sister Vicki (Randy) Hodapp. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert, Howard, Kenneth, and Lloyd Heil, and sister Dorothy (Dennis) Thompson.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held Monday, June 19, 2023, at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church 430 12^th Street NE, Staples, MN and will be livestreamed.  Visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 am.  A brief columbarium service and lunch will follow the Celebration of Life. Pink was Margaret’s color. We invite you to wear a splash of pink in her memory. Arrangements provided by Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Staples Area Food Shelf.