Margaret “Peg” Olsem, age 55 of Westbrook, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at her home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 15 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday AT THE CHURCH. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church Saturday. Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Margaret “Peg” Ann (Shaughnessy) Olsem was born October 16, 1962 to Richard and Rose Ann (Nytes) Shaughnessy in New Prague, Minnesota. She received the holy sacraments at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. Peg graduated from New Prague High School and continued her education at Mankato State University. On August 26, 1983, Peg married Robert Olsem at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Together the couple made their home on a dairy farm south of Westbrook and raised their four children. As a dedicated mother, she volunteered in many of her children’s activities. She was active in Early Childhood Family Education, Kids-Teaching-Kids, Students Against Drunk Driving, and many more. Through these activities, she discovered a passion for working with children. For 18 years, Peg cultivated this interest as paraprofessional teaching specialist at the Westbrook-Walnut Grove Elementary School. At school, she particularly enjoyed teaching children to read. Peg continued her passion for teaching children as a grandmother. She rarely missed an opportunity to be with her grandkids and share new experiences with them. At home Peg never shied away from a DIY project and enjoyed providing an abundance of food for family and friends. Peg was a truly unique person, active in her community, and a pillar of her family. She will be greatly missed and her memory cherished dearly.
Peg is survived by her husband Robert of 35 years; children: Matthew Olsem of Fridley, Christopher Olsem of Minneapolis, Jennifer (Cory) Reith of Fulda, and Jessica (Greg) Laleman of Currie; grandchildren: Connor & Theron Laleman and baby Reith on the way; siblings: Al (Cindy) Shaughnessy, Erin (Nick) Filipek, Joan (Mike) Dubanoski all of New Prague, and Jim (Kelly) Shaughnessy of Aitken; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother David Shaughnessy.
Chris and your family. During this time of loss and grief we want you to know that we have you in our prayers and we ask our loving God to hold you in His hands and give all of you comfort.
Matt and family –
I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It sounds like she was an amazing woman and will be dearly missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Matt and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish all the wonderful memories you have of your Mom, may they ease your pain you’re feeling now. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Godspeed.
May your memories of her help ease the pain of grief…..she was such a positive and fun gal to be around. She will be greatly missed by so many. We are so sorry for this enormous loss. Please know that we have you all in our prayers!! Steve and Dixie Severson
My sincere condolences to the whole family- may good memories sustain you at this difficult time.
Dan Peterson
I am so very sorry for your loss!! She was an incredible lady!
Jenn and family —
I’m so very, very sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength and peace at this most difficult of times. I wish I had words that would lessen your pain.
Margo and Jerry Davis
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May you draw strength from each other to get through this difficult time.
Prestin and Melinda Parker
I just heard this afternoon of Peg’s passing. I am so very, very sorry. She was such a special person full of love for all around her, such a positive attitude, and a blessing to all that came in contact with her. My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Peg was a childhood friend. We all walked to school together every day. It was Peg, Sue Flick, Suzanne Bednar, Imogene Kennedy, and me. Every one of us a boisterous loudmouth, except for Peg. She was sweet, shy, smart, and funny when she got the chance. I fondly remember the basement of her childhood home and the many hours spent at the park across the street. I am so very deeply saddened to learn of her passing. May your memories help you all through this very difficult time. I will hold you in my heart, and cherish my own memories of my long ago, dear friend. Peace be with you.
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am that you lost such a wonderful sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Peg was such a fun gal way back on our good old days on Pershing Ave. in New Prague. Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during these most difficult days ahead.
Hugs to you all!
I’m very sad and sorry that I can’t be with you all tomorrow, but please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know how difficult this is for you. Each day is difficult, but all the good memories can’t be taken away. Hold on to them…
Patty Nytes Muscovitz
So sorry for the loss of your dear wife, mother, and grandmother. She enriched the world of all whom she knew. May you be blessed as you cherish the memories of time with Peg. Love and prayers, Eunice Christensen, Clive, IA.
I’m so sorry for your loss
Dear Robert,Matt,Chris,Jen&Jessica-So sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. Wish I could have attended the funeral, but was out of town. May heartfelt thoughts bring you comfort and loving memories bring you peace. With deepest sympathy! Joan Bultman-Zieske.