Margaret Rose "Margo" Wheeler

Margaret Rose “Margo” Wheeler, 73, passed away peacefully at her home in North Mankato on March 15, 2026. She was born in Hallock, MN, on September 23, 1952, to Mark and Joyce Baldwin. Margo was the seventh of nine children—brothers Tom, Michael, Ron, and Mark, and sisters Michelle, Cynthia, Mary Jane, and Kristine—who grew up on a farm in Humboldt, MN. Margo was very close with her siblings, though according to their accounts, the farm animals, especially the chickens, used to chase her around mercilessly.

Growing up, Margo was very studious and prided herself on her involvement in extracurriculars such as the performing arts, speech, and debate. In a graduating high school class of 13, Margo and her siblings often made up the majority of any team. Margo attended the University of Minnesota on a scholarship, where she found two loves: music education and her future husband, Mark. Mark and Margo were married in November 1972 in a ceremony that was quintessentially Minnesotan—potluck-style on a shoestring budget.

When Margo and Mark moved to Mankato, Margo worked as a music librarian at Gustavus Adolphus College. She was a loving mother to her two children, Colin and Becca, and an active volunteer at school, church, and many organizations, including the Mankato Symphony, the Minnesota Valley Chorale, and VINE. When she was not volunteering, Margo loved entertaining, traveling, playing games, gardening, caring for—and laughing at—her silly cats, attending concerts, reading, spoiling her granddaughter, and, most of all, spending time with her family and many friends. If Margo could send one final message to those who loved her, it would be to act with kindness, help those in need, and spread music and joy wherever they are.

Margo is survived by her two children, Colin Wheeler and his wife, Bobbi Miller, of St. Paul, and Becca Wheeler of Columbia Falls, MT; her granddaughter, Josephine Wheeler; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Wheeler, and her parents.

A celebration of life is being planned for this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice or to the Minnesota Valley Chorale, the Mankato Symphony, or the ALS Association – Minnesota Chapter.