October 29, 1930 - March 7, 2023
Marguerite Laubenthal, 92, of Wesley, died Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society in Algona. A funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 13 at Divine Mercy Parish – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wesley. Burial was at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Wesley. Visitation was Sunday, March 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Wesley with a rosary beginning at 2 p.m.
Marguerite Clara, daughter of Mike and Philomena “Minnie” (Kohlhaas) Bormann, was born Oct. 29, 1930, at home near St. Joseph, Bode. She grew up on the family farm. She attended school in St. Joseph. While in middle school Marguerite won several spelling bees and qualified for the state spelling contest during WWII. She graduated with the class of 1948. She lived with her parents until she married the love of her life, Maurice Laubenthal. They were married on April 15, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bode. The couple settled on their farm northwest of Wesley where they lived all their married life. There they raised their six children. Marguerite helped with the farming operation and did the bookkeeping, which she enjoyed. She also cooked meals for her family, which often included fresh baked bread and tended a large garden. Marguerite spent many hours doing crochet, embroidery and cross stitch. She was involved in their children’s activities including Saddle Club.
Marguerite and Maurice were so dedicated to their children’s Catholic education that they drove them to and from school every day because there were no buses. They attended Mass faithfully and always dressed up for the occasion. Marguerite was a self-taught piano player and played the accordion. Marguerite and Maurice loved to go dancing, which is how they met. They spent many hours dancing at the Plantation and the Surf Ballroom. The couple was proud of their home, which they kept updated. They entertained family members and hosted many family events, including anniversaries and graduations. Marguerite was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wesley and the Ladies Guild.
Survivors include her children: Marie Laubenthal of Mason City, Ambrose (Mary) Laubenthal of Wesley, Coleen (Paul) Glaza of Manchester, Vern (Kristine) Laubenthal of Wesley and Gary Laubenthal of Wesley; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; son-in-law Duane Ramker; sister-in-law Irene Bormann of Bode and brother-in-law Glen Gindling of Cedar Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 43 years, Maurice; daughter Bev Ramker; brothers Irvin Bormann, Clarence (Caroline) Bormann and Harold Bormann; sister Helen (Ernie) Gales; as well as brothers-and-sisters-in-law Regina (Herb) Kaiser, Imelda (Kenneth) Krieger, Merle (Jeanie) Laubenthal and Irma Gindling. Marguerite’s polite and soft-spoken ways and her genuine nature will be missed. Her musical talent lives on in the next generations.
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