Margo Bissen

Margo Bissen lived a charmed life on earth and passed to her heavenly home on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. She was born February 18, 1954, to the loving family of Glenn and Mary Ann (Payant) Hamilton. She attended Catholic schools in Marinette, WI and graduated from St. Norbert College in DePere, WI with a degree in music education.

In 1977, Margo and her daughter, Meigan moved to Austin, MN where Margo began her 39-year teaching career in many Austin schools. It was also in Austin that she met her Prince Charming, Dan Bissen. They were married in 1982 and the little family of three soon grew to include Ray, Tony, Tim, Mary, and Molly.

God abundantly blessed Dan and Margo and their family. They shared happy times together in church activities at Queen of Angels, camping and fishing in both state and national parks, participating in 4-H and sports, and enjoying many family gatherings. Music was an integral part of the family’s existence. Dan and Margo first “winked” at each other at a Queen’s choir rehearsal! Dan favored Dylan, Margo preferred Bach. From the time the children were in utero they were exposed to music, a gift they shared at church, in school organizations, and in the community. The Bissen home was always filled with the sound of music.

Dan’s diagnosis of brain cancer at the age of 48 set a new course of living for the family. They learned that cancer can diminish a body, but a cancer diagnosis can also increase love, peace, and gratitude in a heart and soul. Dan’s cancer journey prepared the kids for Margo’s. Their love of faith, family, friends, and life is a legacy they wish to leave for their family.

Austin was a wonderful and magical home on earth for Margo ~ she was grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from her friends from many faith traditions, her colleagues in both Austin Catholic and Austin Public Schools, the Sacred Heart Care Center Auxiliary, SHCC residents and staff, her book club buddies, Life Mower County, and Austin Hospice. Both Margo’s and Dan’s extended families of hundreds (!) blessed the Bissen family with love and support.

Margo’s favorite place to be was 811 First Ave NW, surrounded by kids, grandkids, family, and friends. She found such joy in playing games, visiting with loved ones, and cooking for an army!

Margo was preceded in death by her adored husband, Dan; her Mom and Dad Hamilton; her Mom and Dad Bissen; and her brother-in-law, Tom Neuville.

She is survived by her children, Meigan and Kyle Rath, Ray and Amy Bissen, Tony Bissen and Annamarie Hernandez-Bissen, Tim and Katie Bissen, Mary Bissen, and Molly Bissen; her grandchildren, Gillian, Natalie, Zach, Averi, Isaac, Lauren, Johnny, Joey, Charlie, and Annabelle.

Other survivors include her siblings, Chuck (Anne) Hamilton, Jane (Tim) O’Leary, MariAnne (Dennis) Cotter, Marilynn Neuville, Nancy (Jay) Soldner, Lucy (Jeff) Johnson; siblings-in-law, Diane (Dave) Draper, Kathy (Gary) Grant, Karen (Matt) Merchlewitz, Teresa (Greg) Jette, Scott (Michelle) Bissen; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota, with a luncheon to follow the service. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, at Mayer-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Queen of Angels parish, Sacred Heart Care Center, Mayo Hospice or a charity of your choice. Mayer-Hoff Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family wishes to thank everyone at Mayo Clinic and Mayo Hospice who cared so gracefully for our mom.