Margaret Middaugh

Margaret Ellen Froehlich and her twin sister, Marion, opened their eyes to the world on January 31, 1923 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They were the fifth and sixth children of 12 siblings born to William F. and Ida (Peters) Froehlich. Marion returned to Heaven in 1924 due to complications of pneumonia. Margaret (Froehlich) Middaugh (Mickey) also returned to Heaven on October 2, 2017 in Chambersburg, PA at the age of 94. Growing up during the Great Depression wasn't easy for the Froehlich family and little Mickey was just five years old when it came to Milwaukee. William, a truck driver for one of the City's favorite breweries, and Ida, a homemaker, struggled through those years by remaking and repainting toys that were passed down from child-to-child each Christmas. A lot of tomato-and-onion or bacon-grease sandwiches were consumed, and peas-on-toast was a common meal during those difficult times.
Mickey's very first job was at Woolworth's and she recalled many good times having lunch there with her sisters or good friends like Ruthie Johnson and Eleanor Steinhilber. Most of all, they enjoyed their weekends at the roller-skating rink, where one night a handsome young U.S. Army soldier caught Mickey's eye. Before long, they were roller-skating together and planning a future! Kenneth Middaugh from Margaretville, NY and Mickey were married on August 18, 1944 but shortly after the wedding, Ken was stationed in Calcutta, India for a two-year tour of duty. Romantic love letters flew back and forth from India to Milwaukee regularly, as the two got to know one another better. There were many love stories from World War II, and Ken and Mickey's was one of them. Anxious to start their family when Ken returned, Mickey became pregnant immediately with their first child, a daughter, Barbara Ann. While Ken matriculated at Marquette University until he earned his degree in mechanical engineering, Margaret worked to set up housekeeping for her new family. Soon, they moved to Sidney, NY and Ken was employed at Scintilla until Douglas Aircraft called him and the family moved to Ocean Park, CA.
The second of their four children, Kathleen Jeannette, was born in Santa Monica, CA in 1951, followed by son (finally!) Ronald Kenneth in 1953. As the family grew, they purchased a larger house in Mar Vista, CA. Baby sister Sharon Marie followed in 1958 and the Middaugh family was complete. A move to Arizona happened in the early Sixties where Ken and Mickey bought an apartment complex in Scottsdale, then a return to NY two years later. Ken began having health problems, and Mickey found part-time jobs in the service industry to help with finances. In August of 1965, the family moved to Chambersburg, PA. Ken went to work at Letterkenny Army Depot, and Mickey – once again – set up housekeeping in another new environment.
She was proud to be a “full-blooded German” and had the typical strength of most German women. Determined, tenacious, and motivated, Mickey was a whirlwind of activity wherever she went! From Bingo and Rummy Cube (she won constantly!) to her favorite card game – Contract Rummy, she would put well-known card sharks under the table with her strategies and skills. “Wanna play cards?” was her favorite question and she asked it often of everyone. Mickey belonged to several organizations, including TOPS Club, Jolly Sixties, Senior Olympics, National Active & Retired Federal Employees, and the Fort Loudon Senior Center.An accomplished seamstress, Mickey enjoyed making clothes for herself, her family, and her friends. She also enjoyed crocheting and a variety of crafts.

She was a regular member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church and had a strong relationship with her Lord. Having turned Ken over to Him in 2006, Mickey knew that someday they would be together again. In the meantime, she took her first airplane trip in 2007 to visit family and friends in California and loved it! She drove her van until she was 88 years old, and maintained her own apartment until 2017. Mickey's health began deteriorating years before she passed, but her strength brought her through the difficult times, including breast cancer, a mastectomy, and kidney disease. Until her passing, she resided at Menno Haven in Chambersburg, PA where she made many new friends.
She leaves behind a loving sister, Alice Froehlich, of Tomahawk, WI as well as many nieces and nephews. Also, her son Ron and his wife Loretta of Gettysburg, PA; her daughters, Barbara Barclay of Olympia, WA; Kathleen Shockey and her husband Michael of Greencastle, PA; and Sharon Ferry and her husband Frank of Tujunga, CA. Mickey's grandchildren include Lisa, Ben, Anna, Jina, Rob (deceased), Caren, Katie, and Renea. Her great-grandchildren include Brittany, Isaac, Joseph, Max, Adrienne, Riley, J.J. (Brandon), one to arrive in October, and another one in the Spring.
The family would like to give special thanks to Vonnie Foltz for her friendship and loving care of Mickey these last few years; William “Billy” Kriner, "Grandson," caregiver, and devoted friend; Dr. Tunde Tijani; Drs. Diana and Greg Lyon-Loftus @ Mont Alto Family Practice; and to her wonderful caretakers at Menno Haven.
Godspeed, Mickey. Your work here is complete. Go in love and peace.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Monday, October 9, 2017 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Chaplain Adam Leeper will officiate. Interment will follow at Parklawns Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until services begin at Noon on Monday at the funeral home.