Compiled and written by David R. Schleper _______.
On Jan. 5, 1939, teenage sisters, Lorraine and Catherine arrived home from school and found baby Margaret Ann, a secret their parents, John Sarazin and Genevieve Scharf Sarazin had been keeping from them for months.
Born and raised in Shakopee, the Sarazin family grew up on a farm currently where the car wash and the Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home are located.
Marge’s parents were John Jack Christ Sarazin (1897-1984) and Genevieve Gertrude Scharf Sarazin (1906-1994). Her grandparents were Pierre Peter Louis Sarazin (1847-1912) and Katherina Schmitt Sarazin (1863-1924); and Louis Nicholas Scharf (1861-1951) and Augusta Haase Scharf (1861-1948).
Margaret attended school through the eighth grade before returning home to help her parents on the farm. In later years, the Sarazin family was honored to have a street in Shakopee named after them.
Through the years, Margaret ventured down many career paths. She waitressed at several restaurants, was a factory line inspector, and worked at Mystic Lake Casino.
But she took her caring and loving personality and assisted the elderly at Friendship Manor Nursing Home, drove school bus for people with disabilities, and provided daycare for children in the community and grandchildren. Margaret was most proud of dedicating her life to be a wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma.
Margaret married Glen Trebesch in the late 1950s. From this union, she was blessed with five precious children, Deb, Ronnie, Scott, LeNita and Janelle. Unfortunately, Margaret and Glen parted ways. Her life was once again enriched with love meeting Dennis Elftmann. On Aug. 24, 1985 in the flower gardens of Eagan, Margaret and Dennis were married. She opened up her arms to Dennis’s four wonderful children, Jan, Sandra, Daniel and David. Through the years, Margaret’s life was greatly blessed with 14 grandchildren and soon to be 11 great-grandchildren. The family will always be her greatest pride and passion.
In Margaret’s spare time, she enjoyed cranking up polka music, watching the polka program at noon, and most of all polka dancing. An avid Minnesota Twins fan, Margaret also enjoyed playing cards, sending greeting cards for every occasion, enjoying the activities at the cabin in Palisade and traveling in the PT Cruiser.
She was known for her delicious pumpkin bread, the countless hours on genealogy research, and the love for her animals. Margaret is best remembered as a major icon in the racing profession. For decades, she supported and participated in the racing business at Raceway Park in Shakopee. Margaret was a permanent fixture at the track and everyone loved her. In more recent years, Margaret finished the second volume of the race track’s history.
A faithful woman, Margaret had a great memory and knew everyone by name. She was a woman of forgiveness and always looked past your faults or disappointments. Margaret had a spirited personality of sassiness, awesomeness and a strong temperament.
“One thing I loved about Marge was when she would call you, you knew the conversation was going to be more than a half hour, so you had to make sure you had your drink ready cause getting away from her was not easy,” said Cathi Nelson. “This wonderful lady had many stories and she was always willing to share.”
Don Pizzella noted, “Marge will be missed by many of the Wednesday Senior Old Time Dance group. Marge loved to dance, listen to Polka music, and share in the fun at dances all around the area. She had danced to most all of the popular bands in this area throughout her life. KCHK was her favorite radio station, and her collection of Polka CDs must be as large as her collection of Raceway tidbits. Enjoyed dancing with her over the last few years, she was a fun, honest, generous person.”
Noted John and Mary Ostdiiek, “Marge was a very special lady. Her devotion to Raceway Park was much appreciated especially for all her hard work documenting the history through her books. We will miss her smile and outgoing personality.”
A devoted resident of Shakopee and a strong supporter of the Shakopee Heritage Society, Margaret Ann Marge Sarazin Trebesch Elftmann passed away peacefully in the presence of her family, at her home the morning of Monday, May 2, 2016. She was laid to rest with her husband at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery.
Margaret’s legacy will live on in her beloved family that will truly miss her deeply.