Margaret Callsen
May 7, 1932 ~ April 4, 2014
Margaret Signora Callsen, 81, died April 4, 2014, in her home in Fargo.
Margaret was born May 7, 1932, the only child of John and Signora (Thompson) Callsen. She grew up on a farm near Ypsilanti, ND, and graduated from high school in Jamestown, ND. She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, in 1954, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in home economics and education. Margaret taught high school home economics in Osakis and Virginia, MN. She then worked as a home economics extension agent in Lac qui Parle County, MN.
Margaret received her Master’s at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and her Ph.D. at Kansas State University. Her work was primarily in teacher education at Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, the University of North Dakota and summer sessions at the University of British Columbia and the University of Nova Scotia. She retired as a Professor of Home Economics and Education from Oklahoma State University in 1994.
Margaret retired to Moorhead, MN and later to Fargo, ND. She was active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and its Fine Arts section; in Fargo/Moorhead Retired Home Economists; and in Red River Danes. She volunteered with the “Giving and Learning” program for a number of years, and served as a Court Watch for the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. She served on the governing board of the Broadmoor Condominiums. Margaret volunteered at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead for 20 years, and recently served on the Concordia College Alumni Board.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents. She will be missed by her many dear friends.
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West Fargo ND
My sympathies for loss of Margaret. Our community has a great loss.
from a member of AAUW
Ellenton FLI grew up in ypsilanti with Margret and went to high school with her . she was alwas so pleasent , So sad another child hood friend gone . GOD BLESS
DOUG
Kindersley Sask. CanadaMargaret was my husbands last remaining cousin and we are deeply saddened by her death and will miss her dearly. She was a remarkably intelligent and caring woman who used her many talents to make a better world. We are sorry due to health issues we are unable to attend her funeral, but we will be with her in heart and mind. Joyce Callsen. Kindersley, Sask.
Alexandria MN
Wise,caring & a true friend, Margaret &
I first met in 1959 when I came to West-
Central MN
as a county extension home
economist. I could always count on valu-
able professional advice & a generous
spirit of comraderie from Margaret. Our
shared Scandanavian heritage, a com-
pelling interest in education & helping
others kept our friendship intact over the
years when life took us in different dir-
ections. When Margaret moved back to
the Fargo-Moorhead area & retirement
brought me to Alexandria, we were able
to share many visits over the years. It
is with gratitude & a thankful heart that
I have had the privilege to know Margaret.
Margaret was a newer member of our Concordia Alumni Board. She was a delight to have on the board and I really enjoyed getting to know her. She had wonderful perspectives to share with our board. She will be missed!
Fargo ND
I met Margaret three years ago when I joined AAUW. I will always appreciate being welcomed by her and serving with her on the exec and program planning committees. She had a deep love for higher education and for young people. Last month at our FM branch mtg, she served as the Greeter. Margaret was always willing to do what she could for the branch.
Plymouth MN
Margaret was a dear friend of my mother (Shirley Keel Larson). From their days at Concordia until celebrating my mom’s 80th birthday months before her own death last year, Margaret was always a part of my mom’s life. Annual trips to and from Florida, Elderhostel vacations, Concordia events, and college reunions are just a few of the things they enjoyed together over the years. Our family will miss you, Margaret… Susie Larson Cammack
Margaret’s care, concern, and passion for women in higher education was very evident. Her honest, outspoken, and unpretentious nature was an inspiration to be brave and contribute to our communities to the furthest extent we are able. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know Margaret.
fargo ndMargaret was a surperb member of AAUW. She took charge of all kinds of things because she could organize so well. Very smart woman.
I am praying for your family.
gini duval
Decorah IA My friendship with Margaret began the fall of 1951 when I came to Concordia as a Freshmen and she was a Sophomore .
Through the years as home agents in Mn, as a bridesmaid at my wedding and to this day we
kept in touch. After her retirement from Oklahoma State University to Moorhead she made weekly visits to
my mother in the Moorhead Nursing Home. Our family was so grateful.
I know that her friends and family join me in remembering the joys we shared and giving thanks for the special person she was in our lives.