Margaret Kallstrom

Margaret Kallstrom, age 96 of Alexandria, formerly of Carlos and Osakis, died under the loving care of the Knute Nelson Hospice on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Knute Nelson Home in Alexandria, MN.

On October 8, 1921 Jesse and Alma (Hedin) Sibell welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their lives.   They named her Margaret Evelyn and she was born at their home in Belle River Township, Douglas Co., MN.  Margaret attended Osakis Public School and as a young woman worked as a dishwasher at Idlewilde Resort.  On April 28, 1939 in Osakis, Margaret married Woodrow Kallstrom.  Margaret went to serve her country during WWII, living in Portland, Oregon for a time and working as a welder on American battleships. She began her life’s vocation, working as a cook and nutritionist when she returned home to MN.  She cooked at several local eateries over the years, including the Walleye Lodge, the Sportsman’s Café, the Farm Court Restaurant, the Garden Center and the Alexandria Golf Club.  She then began cooking at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Alexandria.  When they needed a certified dietician, Margaret attended Alexandria Technical College and received the required certification.  She worked as a cook/ nutritionist at the hospital until it closed and was soon hired by the MN Extension Service for a program to help families prepare nutritious, healthy meals.  Also during this time, she and Florence Olson operated a food truck, they named OK Lunch Wagon, serving homemade donuts, sandwiches, barbecues, bars, etc., at auction sales. After Florence’s death, Margaret continued this venture with help from her husband and other family members, eventually selling it in 1981.  After retirement in 1982, Margaret finally had more time to pursue her other hobbies and interests, including quilting, dancing, card playing and cheering for the MN Twins.  She liked to travel, garden and was an excellent cook who spoiled her family with delicious home-cooked meals and baked goods.  She was a talented and loving mother, grandmother and sister who will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Margaret is survived by her children, Eugene (Gayle) Kallstrom of Great Falls, MT, Gerald Kallstrom of St. Cloud, Susan (Al) DeBortoli of Great Falls, MT, Raymond (Kim) Kallstrom of Alexandria; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren; her siblings, Marlin (Dorothy) Sibell, Gary (Linda) Sibell, Donna Myers and Janice (Henry) Finch; sisters and brothers-in-law, Harriet Sibell, Marjorie Swor, Carl (Jean) Kallstrom, Roland (Dorothy) Kallstrom;  many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Woodrow (1997); son, James, daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen & Tom Serba; grandchild, Christian Serba and grandson-in-law, Steven Prill; brothers, Arthur, Sheldon and Gerald ‘Larry’ Sibell.

Memorial services for Margaret will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018 at 11:00 am at Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson, MN with Rev. Jeremy Pedersen officiating.  Musicians are organist, Barb Sather and soloist, Darlene Hendricks.  Inurnment is at the church cemetery next to her husband, Woodrow.  Urn bearer is Valerie Prill and honorary bearers are her grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren. Visitation hours are from 5 - 7 pm on Tuesday evening, Aug. 7 at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church.   Arrangements by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, MN www.royhetland.com