Margaret "Marge" A. McArthur

Margaret A. “Marge” McArthur, 85, Ogema, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024 at her home following a period of declining health.  She was surrounded by family.

Marge was born in Ogema on January 25, 1939, a daughter of the late Henry, Sr. and Anna (Jasken) Teiken.  She attended local schools and was a 1957 graduate of Waubun High School where she was named Homecoming Queen her Senior year.   Marge married Darwin McArthur on August 1, 1959 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in White Earth, and together they raised four sons. 

Marge worked for a short time at the Red Owl Store in Detroit Lakes.   Marge and BoyBoy made their home in the City of Ogema, before purchasing and moving back to the Teiken family farm in 1969.  Marge spent this time helping raise livestock on the farm, growing gardens, quilting, and being involved with the church and community. Marge was also known for her homemade bread, a recipe she learned from her mother.  Marge worked on a seasonal work program, with other area woman, planting thousands of tree seedlings.  The family enjoyed having Whist night get-togethers with friends and family and welcomed summer visitors from Washington and Colorado to stay at the farm. Marge was also a lifetime member of the Ogema VFW Auxiliary. 

After her boys were raised, Marge began working at the Ogema Elementary School as a teachers' aide.  After a few years, she moved to the Head-start program in White Earth, eventually becoming the lead teacher for her classroom where she often had a grandchild or two in her class. Marge excelled at her job, putting in the same determination she did when raising her four sons. Her family remembers the countless hours she spent at home preparing her lesson plans and wanting her class to learn and grow. She was so happy and proud each year when they would get to put on little graduation gowns and move onto Elementary school.  Her classroom children would always refer to her as, "Grandma Marge".

After retiring from her Head-start position, Marge spent her time raising her flowers, gardening, quilting, canning, refinishing furniture and chasing Grandchildren.  Marge had a passion for recording and documenting the family history and being a part of planning family reunions.  After taking the helm and planning the very first one, she was lucky to have some dedicated partners in this endeavor through the years, including Wayne Reller.  Together the group planned the reunions and put together the family history for all future generations to see.  "The Book" she helped assemble is a prized possession of the family.

Marge is survived by her husband, Darwin, of nearly 65 years; her sons: Darwin “Darb” (Jean) McArthur, Jr., Joe (Diane) McArthur, John (Lisa) McArthur and David (Natalie) McArthur, all of Ogema, a former daughter-in-law, Theresa (Bud) Teiken of Waubun; her grandchildren: Tanya (Travis) Gary, Tracy (Jesse “Horn”) Lhotka, Justine (Jason) Wambach, Marie (Mike) Brevik, Kellen (Julia Heim) McArthur, Ryan McArthur, Caitlin McArthur, Rachael (Max Pinske) McArthur, Rylee McArthur, Cora McArthur, Lucas (Amy) McArthur, Chelsey (Keith) Warren, Jordan (Paulette) McArthur, Maggie (Dylan Thompson) McArthur, Jenna McArthur, Dylan McArthur; 34 great-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  She also leaves a sister-in-law, Maryann Teiken.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters: Irene Reller, Doris Reller, Frances Brakefield, Marie St. Germain-Lohman, Lorayne Trujillo, and Elaine “Pon” Hoban; brothers: Joseph ”Bud” Teiken, Leonard Teiken, Hank Teiken, Maurice “Boots” Teiken, Leo Teiken, and Dave Teiken. 

The Visitation for Marge will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 106 Ontario Street, Ogema, MN 56569, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM.   A prayer service will close out the evening at 6:30 PM.  

The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11 AM with Fr. Greg Gallagher officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior.  Burial will follow in Ogema Catholic Cemetery. 

The family would like to thank the White Earth Home Health and nurse Veronica Kuhlmann for their sincere care of Marge over the last couple of years.

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family.  For more information, please visit DavidDonehower.com, or call (218) 847-4147.