Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Margaret O. "Marge" Gruenes

October 18, 1948 – April 25, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, May 2nd at 11:00 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, for Margaret O. “Marge” Gruenes, age 67, of St. Cloud, who died on Monday at the Country Manor Health Care Center in Sartell. Rev Charles Lachowitzer and Rev Doug Ebert will concelebrate. Visitation will be after 9:30 AM Monday Morning at the Church in Eagan.
There will be a second Mass for Marge on Tuesday May 3rd at 11:00 AM at the Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Rev Robert Rolfes and Rev Aaron Nett will concelebrate. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be after 9:30 AM at the Church.
Marge was born October 18th, 1948 in St. Cloud to Anton and Anna (Kaltoff) Gruenes. She was the youngest of nine children and attended Assumption Catholic Grade School in Eden Valley, and Eden Valley High School. She graduated from the College of St. Benedict with a BA in Education and taught 16 years in the St. Cloud School District. She earned her Master’s in Administration from the University of Minnesota and Specialist in Administration from St. Cloud State University. She served as an elementary principal in the Apple Valley-Eagan-Rosemount School District for 18 years. After she retired in 2008, she returned to teaching at the College of St. Benedict. She also served as the past president of the CSB Alumni Assn and as an Oblate at St. Benedicts Monastery.
Marge served as Chairwoman for the Republican Party in the State of Minnesota, President of the Minnesota Federation of Republican Women and assisted numerous candidates for public office. She was appointed by President George H. Bush as a commissioner of the National Scholars Committee.
Marge loved her parish at St. John Neumann in Eagan where she served as scheduler of Eucharistic Ministers, member of the Parish Council, and board member of Faithful Shepherd Catholic School.
In St. Cloud, she was vice president of the St. Cloud Serra Club, and weekly read and taped the St. Cloud Visitor for the visually impaired.
Survivors include brothers and sister, Peter Gruenes (Grace) Eden Valley, Al Gruenes (Rose) Colon, NE, Joseph Gruenes (Anna Mae) Eden Valley, Tony Gruenes (Mary) Spring Hill, Jack Gruenes (Mary) Watkins, and Theresa Stang (Arnie) Richmond.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Rev Bernie Gruenes, and infant sister, Rita.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Faithful Shepherd Catholic School or charities of the donor’s choice.


Guestbook

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I did not know of her passing. She was a wonderful and virtuous person who cared deeply about all of her students and I was lucky to have been one of them. She will be missed…

Marge was my political and personal mentor, I will never forget the hand she extended to me (many times) and her christian spirit and faith that there is good in EVERYONE.

Marge was a vibrant choir director who gave many hours to practice, choir directing, and leading youth activities for choir members. I am sorry for her family and friends who have lost a giving person. Many church songs in my adult life would remind me of Marge and singing in the youth choir. God bless.

I met Marge through MRW, she was always very welcoming, and my daughters enjoyed meeting her too at the Mother/Daughter meeting. And, just like the teacher she was, she encouraged me to become more involved. I was privileged to have her as a friend and a mentor, and I will miss her dearly. Thank you Marge, for your friendship and inspiration. My condolences to her family and friends.

Marge was always a kind and caring soul….quietly doing her thing and spreading kindness along the way.
I am sure she has touched many lives and hearts throughout the years and has brought much dignity and quality of life to those she met.
Her volunteer work validates her commitment to serve others…bless her! Some people make the world a better place just by being part of it….that was Margie!

I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to know Marge, and the privilege of calling her my friend. Rest in peace, special lady, I will miss you.

She was my favorite teacher. I had her for sixth grade at Lincoln School. She made learning fun. She made an impact on me.

Marge was a blessing to everyone she met. My prayers are with her many family and friends as we all grieve her loss.

We are grateful to Marge for her service to our school and her love of education. Prayers to her family.

We will miss you Aunt Marge. May you rest in the hands of the lord.

Services

Schedule Details

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, May 2nd at 11:00 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, for Margaret O. “Marge” Gruenes, age 67, of St. Cloud, who died on Monday at the Country Manor Health Care Center in Sartell. Rev Charles Lachowitzer will officiate. Visitation will be after 9:30 AM Monday Morning at the Church in Eagan.
There will be a second Mass for Marge on Tuesday May 3rd at 11:00 AM at the Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Rev Robert Rolfes and Rev Aaron Nett will concelebrate. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be after 9:30 AM at the Church.