Obituary of Margie Joan Muelhaupt

Margie J. Muelhaupt

July 8, 1922 – Feb. 8, 2022

Born 100 years ago in Des Moines, IA, Margie Joan Bachrodt lived a heartland childhood filled with 6 rambunctious siblings, 3 large German shepherds (her nemeses!), her Irish Mom’s scratch cooked apple pies and her German Dad’s disciplined piano lessons. A child of the depression, she learned early to “use it up, wear it out, make it do,” and never ever underestimated the value of a dollar. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy and Dowling Junior College, she went to work at Consumer Supply Co. She helped the war effort by writing letters to soldiers, one of whom, Carl J. Muelhaupt, she married in 1948. Over the next dozen years, she birthed five children while supporting Carl’s career with relocations to first Rockford, IL and in 1963, to the Twin Cities. In 1967, she joined the office of the Registrar at St. Catherine University, where she enjoyed a 25-year career retiring as Associate Registrar in 1987 but returning a few months later to work in various academic departments for another seven years. An avid reader and lover of poetry, she also pursued her “edifice complex” by assigning her DIY husband innumerable household improvement projects and rearranged furniture as a favorite hobby. Those of us who loved her best, will dearly miss her bright blue eyes, sharp wit, and easy laughter, her constant flow of specially selected newspaper clippings, and her enduring love and support for her family. 

‘She will be missed by those she loved,

Now that they’re far apart.

Forget her not as time goes by,

Keep her memory in your heart.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, two sisters, her husband Carl, son Christopher and grandson Eric. She is survived by her children Pam Johnson (Dwight), Ted (Peg), Jeff (Christine) and Jane; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren and sister Helen Erickson. A private celebration of life is planned for her 100th Birthday on 7/8/22. Memorials preferred to St. Catherine University at stkate.edu/give.