With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Margie F. Stegeman, our beloved matriarch. She was born in a farmhouse on June 8, 1927, near Durham, Kansas, and was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on January 2, 2026.
During her 98 years of life, most of which were lived in Overland Park, Kansas, she inspired the hearts of countless people with her wisdom, humor, creativity and perseverance. Her unwavering faith life was of utmost importance, and she diligently applied Godly principles as she guided her children, ingraining in them a solid foundational love for the Lord.
She was the Swiss Army knife of mothers…sharp, precise and resourceful. She navigated the chaos of a bustling family with many a diaper change, meal making, countless chores, school activities and sporting events with skill and a good dose of laughter.
Margie was a lifelong learner and her interests and talents ran the gamut: bowling, gardening, sewing, crafts, ceramic and Tole Painting, extension unit and church clubs, reading, clipping funnies or drawing her own, watching sports and keeping up with the news. She was our very own teacher of proper English and many other topics, the world’s most precise bed-maker, decisive in the “way things should be done”, collector of helpful gadgets, quick witted, a creative spirit, deep thinker, and prayerful through it all. She ardently prayed for her family and found great delight in every one of them. She also made many dear friends and great neighbors along the journey.
She would make us laugh as she rode her chairlift, up the staircase, slowly waving, chin up, with a stoic, stage-worthy recitation of “goodbye cruel world”. And now we rest assured, with peace in our hearts, she has ridden her final assent all the way up to heaven to sing “Hallelujah” forever more in Paradise.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Clarence; parents, Frank and Petrona Krotz and brothers, Florian, Eddie and Tommy. She is survived by her sisters Delores (Jack) and Mary Jane (Paul) and many other dear relatives.
Her spirit and teachings live on through her 11 children and their families: Mike (Julia), Karen (Barry), Pat (Dan), Denise (Mark), Jim (Kathy), Margaret (Ron), Joe (Nancy), Ed (Laurie), Susie (Mark), Gene (Lori) and Bob (Lori), and 34 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a Mother.” ~St. Therese of Lisieux
In honor of Margie’s life, consider pursuing your curiosity as she did, seek knowledge, understanding and independent thought, for as she taught us, you are never too old to learn something new. If you wish to make a donation, please consider supporting EWTN, Church of the Holy Cross or another charity of your choice.
A Visitation will be held at the Church of the Holy Cross, located at 8311 W 93rd St, Overland Park, KS, 66212, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the same venue on Monday, January 12, 2026 with the rosary at 9:30 am and Mass beginning at 10:00 am.
