Margaret (McKenzie) Ahlberg

Margaret Ahlberg, 86, of Hermantown, passed away on May 12, 2017, surrounded by her entire family. She was born on January 2, 1931, to Frazer McKenzie and Signe Wold-McKenzie in Duluth Minnesota. Margaret was a musician and a teacher throughout her life, directing choirs at French River Lutheran in Duluth, Grace Lutheran and Peace in Christ Lutheran both in Hermantown. She accompanied her husband, Wes, across the country while he served as an officer in the Air Force, volunteering as substitute organist in multiple churches they attended. As a teenager, Margaret had the distinction of being Bob (Zimmerman) Dylan's babysitter. She began teaching Kindergarten at Endion and Franklin Schools in 1954. She was the secretary and music teacher at North Shore Elementary School in Duluth and directed school musicals and programs, bringing the children to other schools to perform. In 1973, she began the first preschool program in Minnesota at Hermantown Schools. Representatives from the Department of Education and parents would visit to observe the program as a model for the whole state. Margaret enjoyed gardening and was a wonderful cook. She and Wes loved collecting antiques and antique cars and were members of several antique car clubs throughout Minnesota.    She is preceded in death by her parents; and sister-in-law, Ethel Ernst. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Wesley A. Ahlberg; children, Douglas (Barbara) Ahlberg, Laura (Loren) Lilyquist, and Kenneth (Michelle) Ahlberg; grandchildren, Benjamin (Heidi) Ahlberg, Nathan Ahlberg, Megan (Cory) Ahlberg, Mary (Tony) Ahlberg, Adam (Kayla) Lilyquist, Sara Lilyquist, Hannah (Parker) Ahlberg, Paul Ahlberg and Kiah Ahlberg; great-grandchildren, Carter Lilyquist and Nora Ahlberg; two great-grandchildren on their way; sister, Ruth (David) Nyquist; brother-in-law Leonard Ernst; sister-in-law Nancy (Andy) Kazukewicz; many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. VISITATION: 9 am Wednesday, May 17th at Peace In Christ Lutheran Church, 5007 Maple Grove Road Hermantown, MN, with funeral service to follow at 11 am.

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