MARGARET LOUISE STURHAN

Mrs. Margaret Louise Sturhan, 101, of St. Louis, MO, formerly of La Grange, Mo., died February 21, 2021 in the home of her daughter at Chesterfield, MO.

Our world welcomed Margaret Louise Boyer on March 12, 1919.  Her parents, the late Isaac and Ethel (East)Boyer and her sister, the late Lela Mae Boyer Pilcher embraced her with open arms.

Margaret was received into God’s Kingdom through baptism as a young child in the First Baptist Church of LaGrange. After her marriage she attended adult confirmation and became a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in LaGrange.

Margaret attended LaGrange Elementary and graduated from LaGrange High School in 1937 along with her soon to be husband, Ted Sturhan. Ted was the love of her life and they were married on February 10, 1938 and remained in that faithful marriage until he proceeded her in death in September of 2005.

To this union was born 2 daughters, Linda A. Sturhan Shannon and Kathryn L. Sturhan Childers. From these two came 2 son-in-laws, John Shannon and Greg Childers. From them came 5 grandchildren, Allen McClean, Brendon Childers, Travis Childers, Heather Childers Hudson and Ted Childers. From there came 2 granddaughters-in-law, Joan McClean and Vienna Childers and 1 grandson-in-law, Jason Hudson. From there came 10 great grandchildren, Rachelle McClean, Katelyn McClean, Nicole McClean, Allen Tyler McClean, Miranda Childers Miller, Mason Childers, Zoe Childers, Isaak Hudson, Tessa Hudson and Vonner Panek and 1 great grandson-in-law, Robert Miller..

Both Ted and Margaret were dedicated, faithful members of St. Peters and Margaret was an active part of the Ladies Aide Society and the Alter Guild during those years.  Margaret was a stay-at-home mom as the girls grew up and kept herself very busy with gardening and canning to provide for the family.  She was known far and wide for her Angel Food cakes which were requested often by family and friends for their special occasions.  Her last cake was just last March for her Great grandson’s birthday.  She was even featured in the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 2008 for her Angel Food cakes and her story of how she made them for others through the years.

Margaret then went to work at the local J & J Sweet Shop in LaGrange and later moved to what was then called Andes Candies in Quincy, IL that later and still today is Kirlins Hallmark. She worked there for 21 years before retiring and became known to many and still remembered today for her warm and friendly personality.

After retirement Ted and Margaret took over the Sturhan farm and renovated the farm house which led to numerous family events and made memories for the entire family that will be forever treasured.  She remained on the farm after Ted’s passing for 2 years and then moved to St. Louis, Mo with Kathy and her husband Greg where she remained for just shy of 14 years.  During that time she took many trips and spent several weeks a year with Linda and her husband John in Huntsville, AL.  Their home there provided lots of outdoor time to enjoy the family swing which they had placed on the large porch for her.  She loved being there and being outdoors on the swing was her favorite pastime while looking out over the pool and the horse grazing in the distance.  Margaret enjoyed being a part of all the family activities such as soccer games, track meets, plays, horse shows, just about anything the family had planned had to include her!  Margaret also enjoyed going to the St. Louis Muny Theatre in Forest Park during the summer.  With season tickets she enjoyed many great shows with the family.

Margaret (and Ted) even starred in a full page ad and a tv commercial for a local bank while riding on a carousel!  She was one of a kind. If ever there was a strong willed lady who knew exactly what she wanted and how to make it happen, it was her.

A giant hole has been left here on earth but I am sure there are lots of smiling faces enjoying those angel food cakes with her and Ted.

Funeral services were held February 27, 2021 at the Davis Funeral Home in La Grange, MO with Pastor Greg Rogahn and Pastor Jacob Hercamp officiating. Pallbearers: Travis Childers, Heather Hudson, Jason Hudson, Allen Tyler McClean, Isaak Hudson and Mason Childers. Honorary Pallbearers: Allen McClean, Brendon Childers and Ted Childers. Music: When Peace Like River, Precious Lord, The Lord Is My Shepherd I Shall Not Want, Beautiful Savior and How Great Thou Art. Visitation was held February 26, 2021 at the Davis  Funeral Home in La Grange.
Burial was in Quincy Memorial Park Cemetery, Quincy, IL. 

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church