Obituary of Margaret Mary Lagemann

Margaret Mary Lagemann, age 97, of Elsberry, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on August 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 30, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of August and Agnes (Bange) Ballmann. On August 7, 1946, she married Thomas Henry “Nick” Lagemann in Louisiana, Missouri. Together they shared 61 years of marriage and raised ten beloved children in a home filled with faith, warmth, and love. A devoted homemaker and mother, Margaret dedicated her life to her family. From garden rows to mason jars and from field to table, she poured her energy into providing for her loved ones with the fruits of her labor. After her children were grown, she worked for several years as a part-time postal clerk in Annada, Missouri, where she was known for her friendly smile and caring nature. Margaret was a woman of many quiet joys. She had a deep love of quilting, creating countless hand-stitched treasures for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Each quilt was crafted with care and given with love, tangible reminders of her warmth, skill, and generosity. She was an active member of several quilting clubs and cherished attending quilting workshops and trips to learn new patterns and techniques and to spend time with fellow quilting friends. She was a charter member of the Pike Lin Quilters Guild, and also a member of the Sacred Heart Quilters, Bound Together Quilt group in St. Charles, and Quilts of Valor, which made quilts for Veterans and Service Members who had been touched by the war. She also participated in making quilts for children at Shriners Hospital. Margaret found joy in reading and playing lively card games with friends. Whether she was enjoying a good book or gathered with others around the card table, her wit and kindness brought people together. Her life was a beautiful patchwork of family, friendship, faith, and creativity. She was a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsberry and her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her gentle and generous spirit. Margaret is survived by: her children: Richard & Judy Lagemann of Wright City, MO; Bill & Vicki Lagemann of Clarksville, MO; Debbie & Dennis Foster of Elsberry, MO; Carol Pilcher of Elsberry, MO; Connie & Randy Asbury of Salisbury, MO; Alan & Katie Lagemann of Elsberry, MO; Angela & Leaman Geosling of Springfield, MO, and Gary & Ronna Lagemann of Troy, MO; her daughter-in-law Judy Lagemann (wife of the late Tom Lagemann); 30 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Margaret is also survived by her sisters: Sr. Marie Ballmann of Atchison, KS and Patricia Ryland of Houston, TX; brothers: Jerome Ballmann of Nixa, MO and Anthony and Lynn Ballmann of Davis, CA; many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas “Nick” Lagemann; her parents; sons: Thomas Joseph Lagemann and Lawrence John Lagemann; sister Sr. Eunice Ballmann; son-in-law Dennis Pilcher; brothers-in-law: Randy Gilbertson and Tom Ryland; sister-in-law Emily Ballmann; grandchildren: Donald J. Lagemann, Andrew Lagemann, and Tracy Lagemann; two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Quinn Foster; and one great-great-grandson, William Burton. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers: Rachel Harding, Maureen McKeever, and Valarie Martin for their loving support and friendship. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsberry, with burial following at the Elsberry City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, including: Aaron Lagemann, Derek Lagemann, Larry Lagemann, Clinton Foster, Clay Foster, Nick Pilcher, Brian Pilcher, Tristan Asbury, Elijah Asbury, Matt Lagemann, Brennan Lagemann, Brandon Geosling, Raymond Geosling, Ryan Geosling and Jerry Bartley. Margaret’s life was a living testimony to the power of faith, family, and simple joys. She leaves behind a legacy stitched with love, through quilts, warm memories, laughter, and the lasting bonds of those she loved so deeply. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joseph R. Palmer Memorial Library in Elsberry, MO.in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343. Online condolences may be made at www.carterricksfuneralhome.com.