Monica Jeanne Malmgren

Monica Jeanne Samlaska was born May 26, 1937 in Madelia, MN to Kathryn Angel (McCarthy) and Oscar William Samlaska. She passed from this world peacefully on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Temperance Lake Ridge in Sherburn, MN. Monica grew up in Madelia, MN. Attending the Mater Dolorosa Catholic School through 8th grade, Madelia Public School through 10th grade and then graduated from Attica High School in Attica, Indiana in 1955. While living in Attica, Monica was a nanny and worked for her brother Dorn at his dry cleaning business. After graduation she returned to Minnesota and worked as a book keeper in Mankato, MN. On April 28, 1956, Monica was united in marriage to Leon Dale Malmgren at the Catholic Church in Madelia, MN. They were married for 63-years until Leon's passing on December 6, 2019. The couple made their home in St. James, MN and raised three children. Monica worked for many years in St. James for the Highway Market, Duke's Jack and Jill as a cashier and produce manager and finally as a cashier at Pamida until her retirement. Monica was a people person and enjoyed getting to know her customers over the years. After retirement Monica spent time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was an active member of the St. James Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, taught religion classes and volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandma and great grandma. Left with cherished memories are her three children, Dennis Malmgren of St. James, MN; Dean (Lisa Downs) of Alexandria, MN; Laura (Steve) Lang of St. James, MN. Nine grandchildren, Stacey Malmgren of Sioux Falls, SD; Leslie Malmgren of Sioux Falls, SD; Kelsey Malmgren of Marco Island, FL; Devin (Tess) Malmgren of Sioux Falls, SD; Stephanie (Jacob) Klatte of LaCrosse, WI; Aaron (Abbie) Malmgren of Mustang, OK; Matthew Malmgren (special friend Jody Weisel) of Alexandria, MN; Rachel Lang of St. James, MN (University of St. Mary's, Winona); McKenzie Lang of St. James, MN. Six great grandchildren, Jackson, William and Grayson Klatte; Freya Malmgren; Jaiyanna Berry; and Jayelle Terry. Waiting to welcome her were all nine of her Samlaska siblings, Robert, Richard, Roy, Dorn, Jerry, Grace, Kathleen, Beatrice and Margaret. A private family funeral and celebration of life will be held in Monica's honor at a future date. A special thank you to Temperance Lake Ridge Memory Care Unit Staff of Sherburn, MN for their care and attention during Monica's final months. Also, UHD Hospice Care Staff in her final days. Condolences may be sent by mail to: Monica Malmgren Family 800 7th Ave. N., St. James, MN 56081 In place of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or UHD Hospice Care.