OBITUARY NOTICE (dates are pending)

Margaret Ann Showalter (nee Kelly)

Age 87 - Passed away peacefully at home
surrounded by family, on March 30, 2018

Survived by her loving husband of almost 68 years, Leo Jr.; their children, Fred (Sonja), Linda (Todd) Andresen, Bob, Dan (Judy), Tom (Maureen), Lori (Gary) Williams, Pat (Janet), Matthew (Gee), Leo III (Jamie), and Jerry (Debbie); sister, Mary (Don) Adams; 26 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; there will be more additions to the family with 3 weddings this summer and 3 great-grandchildren on the way. Visitation from 4-8PM on Friday, April 6, 2018 at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 835 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul with a prayer service at 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION, 51 7th St. W., St. Paul with second visitation from 9-10AM. Interment at Union Cemetery in Maplewood.

Also survived by her 26 grandchildren, Carol, Barry, Dave, Ben, Jacob, Michael, Dan Jr., Jeff, Steven, Bryan, Elisabeth, Andy, Matty, Joe, Tom Jr., Michael, Robert, PJ, Amanda, Samantha, Julia, Matthew Jr., Sabrina, Janessa, Charlie, and Mike; her 15 great-grandchildren, Nathan Marbella, Andrew, Henry, Ben Jr., Luke, Philip, Stevie, Grace, Kenzi, Caden, Logan, Miles, Brianna, Lucy, and Stella.


NOTE: Leo Jr. loves to write stories and his favorite topic is his love for his “darling sweetheart.” There is no stronger love than the love we see between Leo and Margaret. This is a writing from about 8 years ago that he sent out about Margaret called “Everyone Called Her Kelly”.

EVERYONE CALLED HER KELLY by Leo Showalter, Jr.

Sixty years married to the best person in the whole world, Margaret, my sweetheart. How could I have been so lucky? It was not all lucky I was smart! Oh yah, smart.

Look at it this way. Albert Einstein came up with the idea that E+mc2. They said he was smart. What else did he do? Nothing.

Abe Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address and they called him smart. What else did he do? Nothing.

Babe Ruth pointed to centerfield Row 75 seat 112. He hit the ball dead center. They called him smart and the King of Swat. What else did he do? Nothing.

Ronald Reagan told Mr. Gorbachev to “tear down this wall.” What else did he do? Nothing.

All these people did one big thing and all were called smart. What I did was something smarter and bigger than all of the above. I was lucky to have Margaret, my sweetheart, accept my proposal to be my wife.

That took a smart person. ME! She was and still is beautiful. Everyone liked her, her personality, her smile, an honor roll student. Oh heck, she was the best. Everyone called her Kelly.

I was not in her league. I was not worthy. I took a chance and asked her if she would go on a date with me. To my surprise she said yes. Before we knew it, we were going steady. She was my girl. I gave her my class ring, which she wore. Other boys tried to date her but she said, “No, I am going with Leo.”

Everyone soon knew we were meant to be together. Except one person. Margaret’s Latin teacher. She told Margaret that I was not good enough for her. Big deal. I knew I was not worthy of her either, but I was smart! I had love on my side and I loved her a lot!

It was a beautiful day on May 20th, 1950 when we were married. “Oh, Happy Day!” What could be better you ask? Let me list a few: Fred, Linda, Bob, Dan, Tom, Lori, Pat, Matt, Leo, and Jerry. Then came wives, husbands, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. How could things get any better? Margaret and I love each and every one of you. There is more love to give, future great-grandchildren (hint!)

The President called to congratulate us on our 60th Wedding Anniversary and said May the 20th would be set aside as Leo and Margaret Day. With all of our children, grandchildren, their wives, husbands, and our newest great-grandchild… the total count is 52 loving family members. Not bad for the two high school sweethearts who still love each other more each day.

I think it would be nice if on the 20th of each month, they could find it in their hearts to send one dollar to me. It should be towards the end of the month. You all know the food runs low before our social security check arrives. I can’t help myself. I told you I need your prayers. Don’t tell Margaret. You see why 60 years should give her a free pass into heaven. I know where I am going, the English teacher told me already.

Mother and I are the luckiest couple because we have all of you.

Love you all,
Dad and Mom

**footnote: It’s been 5 months since I suggested that maybe each member of our family (52 count) would like to send $1 each month to poor me. Well, I would like to thank you so much. I would say it was almost 100% successful – well almost -51 $1 bills arrived on the 20th of each month. I am so thankful one out of 52 is not bad. If you are the one, please don’t feel bad. I know times are tough. I will not reveal your name or even your initials. Oh, it would be good to get 52 for 52. P.S. Don’t tell mom this, it will be our little secret.