Margaret Schake

Margaret Schake, age 87 died May 18, 2018, at Madison Lutheran Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 25, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City. Padre’ David Garza will celebrate the Mass and burial at a later date will be in the St. Charles Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church, beginning at 5 p.m. followed by a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to the Mass.

Margaret Ann (Wilson) Schake was born in rural Albee of Grant County, SD to Lawrence and Inez (Olson) Wilson. She attended Albee, SD Elementary School & attended Ortonville, MN High School through her junior year.

On November 13, 1948, Margaret married Donald E. Lilly in Ortonville MN. They lived in Maryland, Virginia & Germany due to his military service. Margaret & Donald had 6 children together. Donald predeceased her on March 29, 1993. Margaret met Matthew Stodolski and they were united in marriage on August 6, 1963. They made their home in Big Stone City, SD. Margaret & Matt had 2 children together & Margaret gained 6 step-children through this marriage. Matt predeceased her on August 26, 1979. She later married John Spanyers on August 20, 1983 and together they lived in Ortonville, MN. John predeceased her on January 11, 1990. Margaret married Earl Schake on October 7, 1991. They lived together in Madison & Bellingham, MN. Earl predeceased her on May 26, 2005. Margaret was known as “Mom” & “Grandma” to many through these unions.

Margaret was a homemaker for much of her parenting years & also worked for several years in service to St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City as a custodian for both the church & the rectory. She also worked seasonally during the “Corn Run” at the Big Stone Canning Factory and worked in kitchen at Laguna Beach Supper Club. She was also a Custodian at Big Stone Power Plant and in recent years, worked at the Prairie Five Clothing Room in Madison, MN. Margaret supplemented her income through the years by selling Tupperware, Avon, Sarah Coventry Jewelry, and Stanley Home Products.

Margaret enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening, fishing, quilting, Bible study, and bingo. She was an avid bowler in her younger years and accrued many trophies. She also loved to roller skate. Coffee dates with her friends were especially enjoyed. She adored all 4-legged critters, especially her cats who were her constant companions. Margaret was also a member of the Gertje-Van Lith American Legion in Big Stone City, SD & the Legion Auxiliary Color Guard.

Margaret Schake is survived by eight children: Cheryl Varner of Ortonville, MN; Linda Ribbke of Madison, MN; Patricia Ogilvie of Bristol, VT; Becky Kracke of Sioux Falls, SD; Venus Anderson of St. Joseph, MN; Michael Lilly of Charlotte Hall, MD; Richard Stodolski of Milbank, SD; and Robert Stodolski of Hancock, MN; four step-children: Arvene Van Hout of Big Stone City, SD; Debbie (Jeff) Flowers of Mankato, MN; Lucetta (Gary) Erickson of Sioux City, IA; and Neil (Sherry) Stodolski of Spearfish, SD; one brother, Lawrence (Vi) Wilson of Pensacola, FL; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; special friends: Margaret Davis of Madison, MN; Joyce Norby of Bellingham, MN; and Lamoine Herrmann of Grove City, OK (formerly of Big Stone City, SD); along with Becky (Schake) & Ron Sampson, Urbandale, IA; Carol (Schake) & Wes Washek, Foreston, MN; Kathy (Schake) & Mike Stiesel, Zimmerman, MN; and Gail (Schake) & Hal Burstein, Alco-NewMarket, MN.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husbands: Donald, Matthew, John, and Earl; step-sons, Boyd and Max; and siblings, Lorraine Kreft and Donald Wilson.

Blessed be her memory.