Obituary for Margaret J. Ranzenberger

Mom was born on November 14, 1932 in Spring Grove, MN to parents Harry and Stella Aasum Lommen. She said “Daddy” cut wood to pay for her hospital bill. She was baptized on December 11, 1932, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove.

Mom graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1950. She attended Winona Teachers College and taught at Canton Elementary School prior to marrying Martin Ranzenberger on June 13, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church Spring Grove, MN. Mom and Dad were married 64 years prior to Dad passing on August 26, 2018.

Mom was a caregiver and put the needs of others ahead of her own. After the birth of Sara with Down Syndrome she became an advocate for promoting services for people with disabilities. She was instrumental in the creation of the first Houston County organization to support the families of children with disabilities. Our family also has fond memories of helping at Camp Winnebago as Mom and Dad were among the founders of Camp Winnebago. She worked as a Guardian ad Litem for 25 years and served as a guardian for several disabled adults. She also worked as a teaching assistant for Caledonia Public Schools for several years.

Mom was a gardener in her younger days but as she aged she took pride in her beautiful flower gardens that were enjoyed by family and friends. When we were in 4-H she was a 4- H leader and kept us in line with our projects!

Mom has been a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church since marrying Dad and has been active in the St. Johns Ladies Aide, Senior Hearts and Mother’s Club.

Survivors include Steven (friend Sue Horsfall), Linda Arentz (Larry), Kathy (Mark Schulte), Jeffrey (Dorothy). Grandchildren, Kyle Ranzenberger, Katie (Dustin) King and their four children Kami, Kasen, Kyler and Kolten. Stepdaughter Holli Smith and her son Trevor (Aniya and son Bowden). She is also survived by a special great-great niece Holly (Joe) and their children Sawyer, Aspen, Noah and Harper.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Stella, husband Martin, daughter Sara (May 6, 1991), sister and brother-in-law Lois (Lommen) and Everett Sollien, Marty’s parents, Henry and Elsie, his nine siblings and many others.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 1st at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 650 N Kingston Caledonia MN. Visitation will be from 9:00 until time of service at 11:00. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Memorials will be donated to charitable organizations that are supported by the family.

We would like to thank the staff at Spring Grove Assisted Living for the exceptional care they gave Mom over the past three months. A heartfelt thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care given to Mom in her final days.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com