Margaret "Maggie" Ann Klaus, 77, of Owatonna, died Monday, June 3, 2024 at Timberdale Trace Assisted Living after a courageous battle against Frontal Temporal Dementia and ALS.

She was born November 25, 1946 in Mankato, Minnesota to Ervin and Helen (Schultz) Olson. She was a graduate of Mapleton High School in 1964 and Mankato State College in 1968. She then married Lynn Duncanson in 1971 and later divorced. On June 26, 1999, Margaret married John Klaus of Owatonna, and they made their home in Owatonna.

Maggie spent her career teaching elementary school, first at Anoka-Hennepin School District in 1969-1971. Then, in Mankato, in 1971-2004. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church where she served as a lector, and eucharistic minister, and was also a member of Catholic Daughters.

She enjoyed spending time at their cabin near Park Rapids. In retirement, winters were spent enjoying time and the warm sunshine in North Fort Meyers, Florida. Maggie loved watching sports, especially the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Gopher football, and the Minnesota Vikings. John and Maggie were season ticket holders for the Gopher Football for 25 years. She was an avid reader, very fond of music (especially country music), participated in a recipe club and was a volunteer for Grandparents in Education. Playing bridge with friends, doing crossword puzzles, and sewing brought enjoyment to her life. Spending time with family and friends to create special memories was her greatest passion.

She is survived by her husband John Klaus of Owatonna; stepdaughter, Tammy (and Paul) Petri of Medora, IN; stepson, Tim (and Briana) Klaus of Eagan; 4 stepgrandchildren, Mallory and Cedar Petri, Ellie and Luke Klaus; sister, Linda (and Joe Milbauer) Olson of N Fort Meyers; brother, Ron (and Kathy) Olson of N Fort Meyers; niece, Natalie (Jamison) Hayward and their children Calvin and Erin; nephew, Brady (Jen) Olson and their children Camden and Court; brother in law, Dean (Brenda) Klaus; niece in law, Kate (Rick) Smith and their children Abby and Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ervin and Helen Olson.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 4-7PM at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11AM at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Church or the ALS Association. A special thank you to the staff at Timberdale Trace, ALS Association, and St. Croix Hospice for their care and support.