Margaret Ann "Maggie" ABELN

Age 90, of The Waters in Edina, formerly of Minneapolis, passed on February 21, 2017. Preceded in death by husband Jack Abeln and granddaughter Randi Abeln. Survived by her children: John (Prudence), Mark (Monica), Paul (Trish), Jennifer (Larry Kahlow), Katie (Billy Owen), Ellen (Chris Knoedler), Mary (Andy Stavast), Matthew (Diane), Michael (Lori), and Peggy (Pat Woodring). 29 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren with two more expected very soon. Maggie will be remembered as a generous and loving mother, an entrepreneur, and a person who could make her children, grandchildren and entire extended family feel like the most special people in the world. Maggie moved from the Iowa Morrissey family farm to Los Angeles in the late 40's to teach and met Jack, who moved from Minneapolis, at a Newman Club dance. There was a whirlwind romance, and they were married in June 1949. The first of 10 children arrived June of 1950. Maggie brought 6 of the children to Northern California by train in the late 50's as Jack began a new job. The family settled into ranch-style living with animals and grew by four more children by the middle of the 60's. Maggie and Jack decided to move back to Minneapolis where they lived on Lyndale Ave. So for the next 30 years, getting all kids through high school and most through college. Maggie became an entrepreneur and decided to run estate sales now that her family rearing days were behind her. She stayed active well into her 70's, recruiting her children for the bigger sales where sales and negotiating skills were developed. Maggie created community wherever she lived, which started in California with her friends at St. Mel's Catholic Church. In her later years, she helped her neighbors, continuing to visit when her neighbor went into a nursing home. Maggie was a member of Visitation and St. Boniface, Minneapolis and Pax Christi in Eden Prairie. Eight of the ten siblings still live in the Twin Cities. All of her children gathered by her bedside during her last days celebrating her life and recalling favorite stories from their collective childhoods. She's now with the angels, and we are convinced she was the greatest mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother we could have asked for. Memorial service was February 24 and interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with her beloved Jack and precious Randi. Donations in Maggie's name can be made to The National Parkinson's Foundation or the charity of your choice.