Margaret J. von Haefen
April 7, 1937 — September 17, 2020
Margaret Joan von Haefen (née London), 83, passed away on September 17, 2020. The sixth of 12 children, Margaret was born to Robert and Dorothy London on April 7, 1937 in the small town of Bejou, Minnesota. After graduating from Mahnomen High School in 1955, she moved to the Twin Cities and eventually met the love of her life, Dieter Heinrich von Haefen, from Oldenburg, Germany. They married in 1965 and soon thereafter had four children in five years. After stops in Milwaukee and Akron, they settled down in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati and in 1976 built the home where they lived for the rest of their lives. Margaret (or Ole as she was known to family) was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening, traveling, quilting, a good argument, and a competitive game of bridge. Some of her happiest days were spent in northern Minnesota at reunions with the growing families of her brothers and sisters. Margaret gave selflessly to her community through Kindervelt, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Lakota schools, St. John and St.Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church. Through volunteering, she developed a sense of purpose and enduring friendships. Not having attended college herself, Margaret worked tirelessly to offer her children that opportunity. They eventually earned nine degrees from six universities. She was so proud. Margaret is preceded in death by her mother, father, and siblings Bob and Linda. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dieter, her four children, Monica (Jeremy), Lisa, Roger (Julie), and David (Helen) as well as her siblings, Joe, Jim, Mary, Ellen, Terri, Cathy, Suzzie, Steve and Dotty. Her seven grandchildren - Ross, Rhiannon, Bryce, Claire, Kyle, Emma, and Grace – gave her endless joy. Visitation will be held at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6410 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Twp., OH. 45044, on Wednesday (9/23) from 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 5720 Hamilton Mason Rd, Liberty Township, OH 45011, on Thursday (9/24) at 11 AM. Masks and Social Distancing will be required at both services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Cincinnati Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.