"Although I didn't know Mary or her family, I feel like I do as I am a cousin. I remember my Mom, Theresa Laughlin Christensen, talking about a guy named Marty Laughlin. I believe you are the other half of the Marty my Mom talked about. What a wonderful self-written obituary. What a wonderful person Mary must have been. I will light a candle in honor at Mass this week. May God bless all of you and take care of you in the days ahead."
In loving memory of
Margaret Mary (Stastny) Laughlin
October 26, 1944 - January 15, 2019
Thank you for whatever part you played in my life or the lives of my loved ones. I have updated my obituary for many years. Each year brings many changes-including my perspective on what is or is not important to remember. I, Margaret Mary Patricia Stastny was born at 12:10am on Thursday, October 26, 1944 to Frank and Pauline (Bouma) Stastny at the original St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha, NE. I was baptized on November 5, 1944 at the original St. Wenceslaus Church exactly two years after my only sibling was miscarried.
My mother joined St. Patrick parish, so I would only have to walk six blocks to attend grade school. I started school almost two months before turning 5 years old. During childhood my home was the center of activity for the neighborhood children. Often children would start gathering at 8am and the last would leave about 10pm during the summer months. Lots of games were played, programs were performed, and close friendships were made.
I graduated from St. Patrick Grade School in May 1958. On September 2, 1958 I proudly became a member of the first Ryan High school class. I was very active in many organizations during high school. Most people remember me as being very quiet, so it is a wonder I succeeded at debate for four years. During high school I took up bowling. Later in life I would bowl weekly on two leagues and each Sunday morning with my Dad.
Three days after my graduation on May 31, 1962, I began a three month part-time job in Index Files at Mutual of Omaha. After three months my part-time job was extended for the duration of my studies at Creighton University. While at Creighton I was an assistant to two professors and typed thesis papers for priests. I scheduled my full load of classes as early as possible in the day, and then walked about a mile to Mutual working until 6pm. This job paid for my BSBA degree received on May 30, 1966 and the purchase of a new Chevy Malibu. After graduation I was offered a job in the Personnel Department at Mutual. It was during this time that I became a Junior Achievement advisor. One year later I was offered a job as one of the first women programmers at Mutual.
My life changed forever when I met Marty Laughlin at a Lasalle Club dance on May 5, 1967...only two minutes before two friends and I planned to leave. Marty was a great dancer and wondered why I was staring at his flying feet. We would dance again in the summer, and I was surprised the Irishman could polka! On Friday, September 22nd 1967, Marty asked for my phone number and called on September 23rd inviting me to a movie the next night. On that dark and rainy night we double-dated with good friends to the very non-romantic movie Bonnie & Clyde. Never known to make spur of the moment decisions, I shocked myself and everyone who knew me when we were engaged two months later on Thanksgiving morning November 23, 1967. We were married on July 13, 1968 at St. Wenceslaus Church in Omaha on a 100+ degree day. After honeymooning in the west, I left the city life I loved and moved to the family farm one half mile west of Imogene on July 19, 1968. The city girl, raised as an only child, had no clue as to how her life would change. We were blessed with 13 children; 3 who were miscarried in 1972, 1978 and 1982. Eight daughters and two sons grew to adulthood on the farm and the years raced by in a blur.
From the start I was active in St. Patrick Church and the community of Imogene. I enjoyed working closely with all the pastors, faith family and community members. I always tried to do more than what was expected of me.
My life again changed forever on February 10, 2013 when Marty suffered a heart attack and complications after open heart surgery. I treasured the 88 extra days I shared with him before his death on May 8, 2013. 2,077 days later on January 15, 2019, Margaret joined him and all her loved ones who walked the road to eternity before her.
I hope my family members know how proud I have always been of them. I hope they and all who God wove into my life will keep me in their prayers until we meet again. Family members include Patty, Colleen and Kathleen Laughlin of Omaha, NE; Peggy & Bob Brand and Lochlan of Imogene; Frank & Carol Laughlin, Sean & Meg of Papillion, Eileen & Mike Heller, Chase & McKennon of Omaha, Jerry, Owen and Ethan Laughlin of Imogene, Rita Laughlin and Jared Hiser of Carson, IA, Pauline Laughlin of Omaha, Marie & Christian Knapp, Nora & Josephine of Lincoln, NE.
In honor of Margaret's Czech heritage, those attending the services are asked to wear a touch of red.
Margaret passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at her home in rural Imogene. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am, Monday, January 21, 2019 at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm, with a rosary starting at 3:00 pm, on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. Memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick's Heritage Garden or the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will be at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Imogene.
Tributes
"To the Laughlin Family, You have been in my thoughts and prayers these past few days. Although I haven't lived in Shenandoah since 1968, I know the impact Margee had in the Imogene communty, St. Patrick's parish, and to her children and grandchildren through her FB posts and my brother John. I have so many memories of Frank, Lucy, Marty and Ann growing up. My mom grew up at your "homeplace." I am sorry that I can't be there for Margee's Celebration of Life. I know that she and Marty are celebrating their reunion. Mick and Gloria Longstreet "
"Margy was such a wonderful, sweet lady! She will be greatly missed! She waa such s family oriented, and church going person and organized. I have known Her a long time and knew her wonderful husband and her great kids! Rip Margy! My heart goes out to all your family and loved ones! Prayers! Julie(Dailey)McCalla "
"Prayers to all of you Jason Garnatz (my Mom is Betty (Laughlin) Engelmeyer)."
"Colleen , I am so sorry to hear of your Moms Passing!! Thoughts and Prayers are with u and the rest of your Family!!"
"Margaret was a one of a kind she was loved by so many people I hold all of you in my prayers threw this difficult time sure will miss visiting with her "
"Dear Family of Marty and Margaret, Although I did not know your mother, I grew up with and lived 1/2 mile from Marty and his family. My parents were Jimmie and Marie Laughlin. I attended St Patrick's school thru 7th grade with Marty and Ann, and have fond memories of your father and family. I just want to offer my sympathy over the loss of your mother. My family's prayers are with you. Patrick J. Laughlin "
"I have known Margaret since high school. We rode on the bus together in our blue and gray uniforms to & from Bishop Ryan High. We went to a lot of football & basketball games & other school activities together. We both took shorthand & typing classes. We were in each other?s weddings & in 2005 we both became grandmothers 10 days apart. Margaret was always so helpful. If you needed the code for the church door or anything she was always there to help you. It?s really hard to believe she is gone. In the bulletin when someone passed away, Margaret would always have a special blessing. I guess today Margaret it is your turn... May Margaret & Marty rest eternally in the loving arms of our savior. Love, Margie"
"Margaret was one of the nicest and easy going lady to ever come to Imogene. I could always count on her for info and an interesting conversation. God will give her a great place in heaven. Lila Breedlove"
"Dear Laughlin children, Please know that I hold your mom and your entire family in my prayers at this time. Describing Margaret and Marty as family friends doesn?t say enough. My father told us about going to dances with Marty, and Mom shared stories about Margaret starting in high school. Photos of Margaret and Marty fill my parents? wedding album. I never wondered why my parents chose Margaret and Marty for my brother?s godparents. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting with them at the rehearsal dinner before John and Ashley?s wedding. Over the years, Mom recounted countless conversations where we learned about the graduations, careers, weddings and children of each of you. Since 2013, I have cherished Margaret?s friendship and support of our family. I am grateful to Margaret for every call to Mom and every Mass for Dad. I hope that Margaret knew how much I appreciated and enjoyed the September 2017 gathering of our two families at her house. We had a wonderful time with you! Your mom and dad were fixtures in our lives. They raised terrific children. I will miss Margaret. She holds a very special place in the hearts of the McDonalds. "
"Margaret was the ultimate cheerleader for St. Patrick Church. This lovely girl from South Omaha knew more than anyone about its history, and did more than anyone to preserve it. To people who came to see the church, she was always gracious, knowledgeable and fun. And a good wife to one of my four classmates in the class of 1953. Margee, thanks for the memories. Mary Lou (O'Connor) McGinn - Council Bluffs"
"Margaret was such a wonderful woman. I got to know her through her daughter, Colleen. We had great memories together...a trip to Kansas City to a concert, baking Kolaches, and just having fun together at the farm. She always made me feel so welcome...she will be sorely missed..in the family as well as the community...what a blessing it was to know her.."
"I am deeply sorry for your loss of such a wonderful individual. I know from many conversations that Margaret loved her family very much, touched so many other lives around her, and has left all of you with some wonderful memories. God Bless each and every one of you."
"Margaret was such a wonderful person. She always stopped and talked to everyone wherever she was. She loved our church and the people in the Imogene community. She was a smart, funny and loving woman. Prayers and love to all her children. "
"Margaret was so much fun to talk to. I would call about something for church and we would talk half an hour about kids, South Omaha, Ryan High School, and many more things we had in common. She arranged a small Ryan High reunion with John Stibbs, Lori McGargill, Marge McDonald, me and herself. We talked all evening about high school memories. What a loss to her ten children and the community. May she be resting in the arms of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. John and Peggy Martin You Laughlin kids were blessed with a wonderful mother and dad."
"This makes me so sad to hear this and my heart aches for her family and the entirety of the Imogene community! She was a very kind person who was always so friendly. I always looked forward to her Facebook posts. Margee was an Imogene staple with her knowledge of the church and Imogene history. Sending a lot of prayers and thoughts to her family for comfort in these coming days. ??"
"So very sad to hear this news! I loved that lady.. always enjoyed visiting with her . St Patrick ?s.Church will truly miss her. Sending our sympathy and love ?? "
"Sorry for your loss. I was at Mass on Sunday in Minnesota, looking around at my beautiful church, and also thinking about St. Patrick's. I was thinking about Margaret and how people like her who are such wonderful caretakers. May she rest in the light of the Lord whom she served well!"