Shawn Oligmueller
July 9, 1959 ~ January 31, 2009
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha officiating. Burial was in St. Ann's Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 2, 2009 with a 7:00 p.m. wake service at the church.
Shawn was born July 9, 1959 in Huron, South Dakota to William and Audrey (Thompson) Oligmueller. She grew up on the family farm northeast of St. Lawrence and attended St. Lawrence grade school for eight years. Shawn graduated from Miller High School in 1977. Shawn attended South Dakota State University, graduating in 1981. She continued at S.D.S.U., graduating with her Masters Degree in 1985. She taught elementary vocal and band in Hamlin County School District for six years. She returned to school at Northern State University to get her elementary endorsement. She then taught sixth grade in Bridgewater, also acting as elementary principal. In 1993, she began as the Elementary Principal in Miller where she remained until her passing.
Community involvement was important to Shawn. She belonged to the S.D. Principals Association, Former Nyoda Girl Scouts Council, Huron Area Community Counseling Board, Miller Civic and Commerce Board, Hand County Library League, P.E.O Chapter AK, Miller Investment Club, St. Ann’s Catholic Church as the organist, Student Senator at S.D.S.U., Band member of Pride of the Dakotas, Miller Country Club Women’s Golf League, Hand County 4-H where she served as a master seamstress judge and judged clothing at 4-H on the county and state levels.
Privileged to have shared her life are her parents: William and Audrey Oligmueller of Miller; siblings: Meri (Michael) Fischer of North Carolina, Todd (Susan) Oligmueller of Pierre, SD, and Suzanne (Bob) Murphy of Elk Point, SD; nieces and nephews: Amanda Northern of Camp LeJune, North Carolina, Joe Fischer of North Carolina State University, Kelsey Oligmueller of Pierre, SD, Allyson, Nick and Michael Murphy of Elk Point, SD and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas and Myrrle Thompson and Herman and Rose Oligmueller.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Shawn Oligmueller Scholarship Fund, 425 East 11th Ave, Miller, S.D. 57362.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Shawn's arrangements.
MINISTER
Father Chester Murtha
CASKETBEARERS
Gerry Hunter
Darin Hunter
Dale Alumbaugh
Jerry Oligmueller
Chuck Augspurger
Scott Oligmueller
HONORARY CASKETEARERS
All Miller School Staff
USHERS
Tim McMahon
Tom McGough
ALTAR SERVERS
Chad Wiesleler
Nick Lewellen
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Annette Hunter
LECTOR
Jordan DeBoer
ORGANIST
Connie Schroeder
MUSICIANS
St. Ann's Choir
"On Eagle's Wings"
"Lord, Receive Your Servant"
"Here I Am Lord"
"Spirit Song"
"The Miller Fight Song"
"Precious Lord Take My Hand"
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Audrey and William- so sorry to hear about the lost of your daughter! My heart goes out to you all. May the lord help you get through this horrible time. We will be praying for you and your family! Sending lots of love and prayers your way!!
I am really sorry to hear about the lose of Shawn Oligmueller, she was a very nice person, kind and etc.
Ms.O will be missed by everybody everyday.
My Sympthany goes out to the Oligmueller family and friends
I had the honor to teach with Shawn at Bridgewater. I will always remember her infinite patience when dealing with students and her special talent of making each one feel special. My sincere sympathy.
Shawn held a special place in so many peoples lives and she had a special purpose in this world, she really is an irreplaceable person. She will never be forgotten. Our sympathy is especially with all of you who she had contact with in their every day life, Shawn will be missed so much! We are keeping you in our thought and prayers, and sharing in your loss. Our love,
Royce and Linda Blackburn and family
So sorry to hear about Shawn…we are surely praying for you all. God bless you all. Know this is difficult but God will get you through. Keep leaning on Him.
There is a special angel in heaven today looking out for all the Miller School students, Miss O never forgot one of her “kids”. Bill, Audrey, Meri, Todd, Suzanne and families, we are so sorry for your loss, we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul, Sheri, Joshua and Jesse.
To Shawn’s family,
I want to express my sympathy to all of you. Shawn was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. I fondly remember all of the time we spent traveling to meetings together and sharing her life. May God bless all of you at this time.
Audrey, Bill, and family
I am so sorry for your loss, Shawn was a wondeful woman and had a great impact on so my young lives. She will be dearly missed and greatly remembered my all that were fortunate to have crossed paths with her.
Joey and Peg
Bill and Audrey, We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Audrey and families, Oh that Shawn O! We have no idea yet of the impact of the loss we have of Shawn. Always giving of her time. My last memories of Shawn were at St. Anns bazaar.We were on the pie commitee and guess who the last one there was. Shawn of course! Making sure the last piece of pie was cut and served up. That’s how Shawn was with everything. I do know one thing– the heavens will have more beautiful music with her there!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless. Curt and Sharon Spangler and family
Bill, Audrey and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing. Since I quit work in Miller, I have not been in touch with people to know what has been going on, so I am in total shock. This must be so hard for you. I got to know her pretty well through 4-H and other things, and she was such a gem! My heart so much goes out to all of you! May God comfort you and instill peace and healing strength.
Most Sincerely,
Deb Wilson
Dear Oligmueller Family,
My sincere sympathies to you all.
I was very saddened to learn about Shawn yesterday. I remember the fun times and the challenges we shared together when we served on the Nyoda Girl Scouts Council Board of Directors. I would drive over from Pierre and then Shawn and I would often ride together, along with Joanne Morford, over to Huron and then back to Miller after the meetings. Shawn served as the Board’s Secretary and I learned to appreciate her sense of humor and her obvious dedication to the girls in Girl Scouts as well as admire her ability to capture the sometimes long discussions in expert Minutes. She always had a friendly smile and I liked her very much. May God bless you all.
Sincerely, Beverly Lewis
Even though my family’s time in Miller has been short, my memories of Shawn are far from that. I was one of Shawn’s students while she was the elementary music teacher at the Hamlin School District. I specifically remember bringing Shawn a mug one year for Christmas. As she opened the box, it was apparent that after a long bus ride to school that morning, the mug had broken. Shawn, in her never-ending graciousness, smiled and thanked me for the gift. She gave the same enthusiasm as though I had given her the most precious gift ever created. She showed me and my family that same graciousness when we moved to Miller last summer. She immediately hugged me and welcomed me as though we’d never lost touch. She was a kind, wonderful woman.
I am so sad to hear of Shawn’s passing. As a fellow elementary principal I have always thought of Shawn as a great principal who cared so very much about children and about excellence in teaching and learning in South Dakota. She was involved and active in our state organization and always stepped up and volunteered where needed.
You have my sympathies at this difficult time and you are in my thoughts in prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing. She was a wonderful person and friend. I consider it a privilege and honor to have known her. Earth lost an angel, and Heaven gained an angel named “Miss O.” May God comfort you Bill, Audrey & family
I fondly remember Shawn as my first music teacher in 1982 when I was a kindergartener at Hamlin. She always had something fun for us to sing or do in her class. I had not seen her recently and was very shocked and saddened to read about her passing. May her memory live on in the hearts of all those she touched with music throughout the years. God Bless.
I’m sorry to hear of such bad news. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Please receive my deepest symapthy Bill, Audrey and siblings in the loss of your precious daughter and sister. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you in this time of deep sadness.
Shawn had such a zest and love for life that she touched everyone’s heart by just being the beautiful person she was. We loved her when she taught at Hamlin as a teacher and friend. She will sadly be missed by all who knew her. She will be forever in our hearts. God Bless your family during this time.
Sandi Aho
Shawn is now our special angel to watch over us and try her best to keep us in line. She will be missed by all who knew her. Audrey, Bill, Mary,Suzanne, Todd and families – I will be here and will be just a phone call away. I pray that you will lean on “him” for support during these very difficult times. God Bless each and every one of you.Dennis and Mary Ellen
To buddy Bill, Audrey-O, and classmates and friends, Meri, Todd and Suzanne, may God bless you in this time of grief, and in this time of remembrance. Shawn was a truly wonderful person . . she will be greatly missed by all who knew her and by the countless young lives she has affected through her work and community service. I know God has blessed Shawn and has now taken her into His light. My prayers are with you all. Jerus
To the Oligmueller Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Shawn’s death is tragic; she was so young and she had so much left to do in life. As kids, Shawn and I celebrated birthdays together; hers July 9th and mine a few days later. My sister, Gloria, and I played many summer days at the Oligmueller farm; they are some of my fondest childhood memories.
Shawn was one of the kindest and most genuine individuals I ever knew. Nothing can really ease the pain of her loss, but please be comforted knowing that Shawn had many friends and people who cared about her. She will always live on in my memory as my childhood friend, forever young and carefree.
Kindest Regards,
Gale Simons-Poole
Audrey and family, We’re so sorry that you have to experience the loss of a daughter, grief is a journey, be gentle with yourself, lean on the strengh of prayer and thoughts of those folks who care about you deeply.
Audrey, Bill and family
I am so very sorry for your loss. Shawn was such a special person and touched so many lives. She will be greatly missed. God Bless.
Lori, Steve, Lane, Ben and Karsi
Bill,Audrey & family: So sorry about your loss.We never expect our children to go before us and knowing from experience it is one of life’s hardest things to bear. May you take comfort in your many memories.Shawn was definitely a very fine lady and will be missed by many.Deepest sympathy.Louie and Mardella Gortmaker
Extending our sympathy.
All our prayers
Doyle & Kay Foreman
farewell to a special person from a board member of Community Counseling in Huron. Valera
I taught school in Bridgewater with Shawn. I am totally in shock to here of her passing. She was a kind and generous person. She made every one feel special. I remember with Shawn would come to Yankton to visit and she would make me drive across the HWY 81 bridge across the Missouri river because she did not like heights.My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
May god grant you peace and comfort during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sicerely
Mary
Thoughts & Prayers to you all. May God give you peace and comfort during this time. I was one of Miss Oligmueller’s students at Hazel Elementary. She was my first piano teacher and I truly enjoyed her. She was a wonderful lady!
God Bless,
Jessica (Beman) Luvaas
Words cannot express the loss this community is feeling. Miss O was one in a million. Not only has she touched my life tremendously but my two boys as well. She was a true inspiration to all those around her and she will be greatly missed. May God be with you at this time.
With Sympathy and Love
Jaime Russell
You are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Joel & Linda Boschee
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your work on Earth serve as a shining example for selfless devotion to others and as a beacon to light the way for others to follow.
You have my condolences. I have been privileged to be a fellow administrator with Shawn since she began her administrative career. She was such an advocate for children and was appreciated so much by her administrative friends. I was not aware of her illness until we received word of her death. I am sure that Shawn will be working with children in heaven. What a joy she was!!!
Audrey, Bill and family-
I am so sorry about the loss of Shawn. She was such a kind, sincere person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill and Audrey and family,
I will never forget all the love and support Shawn has given me over the years.She was one of a kind and could be approached for anything.Being it school related or personal.She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her in any way,shape or form.I will dearly miss her.Hopefully tim e will get easier as that is what she told me after Dennis’ passing.She was the greatest!remember all the good times and cherish her memory forever as I know I will.Denise Yost
Bill, Audrey and Family,
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you during this time. As our kids grow they will be a constant reminder of Shawn and all of the wonderful things she did to shape their lives. When making a get well card for her, Abby insisted on taping a pencil and eraser on the card because Miss O. always gave her one for her birthday!
She was a wonderful individual that touched so many lives they are too numerous to count. We all have a very special place in our heart that will forever hold Miss O and the fond memories we have of her. Each pencil we see will be a warm reminder of the children’s lives she touched!
God Bless all of you!
Bill, Audrey, and family,
I am so sorry to read of Shawn’s passing; we rode Bus #9 for years, were in the same class and Shawn was always so kind and smiling.
We just lost our son December 20th, he was 29; as we trust and hold tight to the promises and hope of eternity with Terrence, so will be our prayers for your family. Once again, I am so sorry.
Hope in Christ,
Shar Skinner
Bill,Audrey and family,
Shawn was a big inspiration to me and my family.She was always there when we needed her whether at school or personal.She helped me through alot of bad times.When Dennis passed away she told me give it time and you’ll be o.k.If you need time off just call.That meant so much to me.I will miss her immensely.Cherish the memories, they are so precious.Denise
Bill,Audrey and family. Shawn was a great inspiration in my life.She was always there whenever I needed not only through school decisions but my personal life.I will always remeber her for the loving and kind person she was.Time will heal is wha t she told me after losing Dennis.She will ber misssed by everyone.Remember all the good times and cherish the memories.
I am a fellow ‘Pride of the Dakotas’ band member and fondly remember Shawn with her saxophone throughout our years there. It’s been years and years since I’ve seen her but recognized her face when I came to this website to read another obituary. I was shocked and saddened to see that she’s no longer with us. What a huge loss this is for your family and the educational system in the state. She made an impact on many and will never be forgotten. I hope you are finding comfort in this sad time knowing how much others cared about her…
I am so sorry to hear of Shawn’s illness and passing. I knew her through the Community Counseling Services board. I enjoyed the road trips to Madison with her, sharing memories of days at SDSU and talking about our families and friends. She was such a kind and compassionate person and will be deeply missed. My prayers and sympathies go out to her family.
I am so sorry to hear the news about Shawn. I knew Shawn as a collegue principal. What a neat lady. I remember her and all the help she gave me after she left Bridgewater as Principal, I then had to try to fill her shoes as principal in Bridgewater! May you all be blessed with her memories and know that she will be greatly missed by many peers and many, many children! Life is certainly a gift with no time limit.
God Bless
Peggy Freidel
I enjoyed every opportunity that I had to work with Shawn when I was working for the Dept of Education. I especially smile at our shared love of shoes and purses! She was an advocate for education and the process of self-reflection and school improvement. Her school was a better place because of her dedication to doing everything the very best that she could. My prayers go out to the Miller community, and to the school, especially her staff and students.
I was lucky enough to meet Shawn through two close high school friends who were friends with Shawn at college. Both of us being in the education field, we would sometimes see each other at workshops or conventions too. Shawn always had a smile and touched me with her kindness. May God hold all of you in His loving embrace during this difficult time.
I was lucky, I got to teach Shawn, have her as my boss and most importantly to have her as my friend.
I am sure when its my turn to meet my Lord, Shawn will be there welcoming me.
My God Bless,
David
If only I were closer to you Audrey O. to give you a BIG hug; and an extra hug for you too Bill. My prayers and thoughts are with Shawn’s entire family. Shawn was a beautiful soul. We’re constantly reminded how precious every day is. Knowing how much I care doesn’t give you much comfort today; but I pray that some day your hearts will smile again and rejoice knowing Shawn’s at peace with our Lord.
My deepest sympathies…..We had many fun times at SDSU with Shawn, Susie, JoEllen, Kristi, Mary, Lori, Lynn..on & on. She was also a dear friend of my husband, Mike, a fellow Binneweis RA with Shawn, Jo and Kristi. She was super special to us all…..genuine, sincere, caring….a real gem!!
God bless,
Jill (originally from Faulkton)
We are all so blessed to have had Shawn in our lives – each and every day; She touched so many lives – words simply cannot say.
An Angel here on earth – to so many from far and near; Our memories we treasure deep in our hearts – and will always hold so dear. We will forever cherish those memories – always with thoughts of love; Now Heaven is blessed with a precious Angel – as Shawn begins her work in Heaven above. Love, Lenny & Beth
Bill and Audrey:
Shawn was a wonderful administrator and friend. I will miss her very much. My prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Mary Simons
Bill, Audrey, and Family
I only got to work with Shawn for about five years and she was a wonderful person to have as an administrator as well as a friend. She cared so much about all of the children. Wade always tells us the story about missing the lunch bus because he was finishing a test. He got to go to Miss O’s office and have lunch with her. (Wade said she had a ham sandwich that day) He said it was so fun to visit with her during lunch. That is just one of the many wonderful things she did for the students. The students at the colony loved the days she was coming out because she always took the time to visit with them and ask how they were doing. She will certainly be missed by everyone who knew her.
Karen Gesinger
Dear Bill, Audrey and family, we are very sorry to let Miss O go. She was a fantastic example of faith in action. So many times her firm but cheerful guidance helped keep our Krew on track. When you have a large family you sometimes loose track of one in the shuffle. But Miss O. never did, she made each of our kids feel unique and special. She will be dearly missed. We offer you our prayers, asking God to help you get through.
Kelsey, all the kids who couldn’t be at the funeral,send you a special hug!
Dear Oligmueller Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Shawn. She was a blessing not only to you, but to the entire community of Miller and all who knew her. I have no doubt that the Rustlers and the Jacks will now have a very special guardian angel watching over them. Please know you are in my prayers.
Dearest Bill, Audrey, and family,
My heartfelt thoughts are with each of you during this difficult time in your life. Words cannot begin to describe my feelings of your beloved Shawn. She was the absolute greatest of all leaders. What a role model!!!! Her leadership will continue to flow in the Miller Elementary as long as we “her staff” are here. Her high expectations were respected: from our appearance, rules and regulations, gossip, cell phones, and etc. She too, would let me know how much she appreciated the work I did. I enjoyed my time with her as a great friend and a great leader. My heartfelt Sympathy to all of you. With love, prayers, and hugs, Mona J. Hall P.S. She will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever….
My deepest sympathies to all of you in this difficult time. While I only got to know her after she was ill, she was always very cheerful and positive.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oligmueller Family – Just wanted you to know what a great person, teacher and administrator she was. She was very caring towards the kids and staff. She was one of the few women at the elementary that I could sit and talk about sports, coaches and other teacher/ administrators around the state. It almost became a trivia game – where was he or she before they were there? I will miss those days! I will always picture her standing in the corner during the basketball games -she was a true fan and friend that we will all deeply miss – the Hunter family will have you in our thoughts and prayers – God Bless!
Shawn was a music teacher in Lake Norden when my children were in elementary school. She was an awesome teacher and I always enjoyed visiting with her.
Thoughts and prayers to you and yours.
To the Oligmueller family: Our sincere condolences are being sent your way. Shawn(Miss O) was a VERY positive influence on all 3 of our kids AND us! She will be missed by everyone that ever came into contact with her.
Shawn’s face will be etched in the life dictionary beside the words…”True Human Being”.
Our mental hugs are being sent your way…….Terry, Donna and family
Shawn never met a kid she didn’t like which is why everyone says she was an awsome Principal. Her life was her family and her school family. She will be missed by all of us including her multitude of friends. We, her family, want to Bless all of you for your careing and support. AO
Shawn never met a kid she didn’t like! Her life was her school family and her family….no one should ever have to bury a child but we were fortunate to have her for 49 years. To her multitude of friends…Bless You All…AO
I was shocked and saddened by Shawn’s passing. I was a music major with Shawn at SDSU; she and I spent many hours together working on theory, music lit, and commiserating about our ped classes. We walked to band together and hung out during the “Pride of the Dakota” trips!
I also remember her in Dress Revue in Huron at the SD Fair!
I also visited with Shawn at administrator meetings in the last few years. I looked forward to seeing her there.
She truly was a wonderful person with a kind heart. I can only imagine how good of a principal she was! She was so caring and kind.
Please accept my sympathies and I will keep you in my prayers I will miss her a great deal.
To Shawn’s Family ~
I was catching up on the news tonight and was deeply saddened to read about Shawn’s passing. I had met Shawn through my Extension work and she was the most caring and thoughtful person I have ever have met – she truly put youth and adults first! My thoughts are with you during this difficult time, Miller and the State of SD has lost a great person!
Sincerely,
Debra Wenzel
I just learned of Shawn’s passing. She was always someone I made a point of seeing when I came home to see my family. She was the sweetest person I knew. I will miss her dearly.
I am so sad to hear of Shawn’s passing. She was my 6th grade teacher in Bridgewater. I will never forget her. She touched my heart and taught me so much! Everyone’s comments are so true–her love for her students was so obvious! She was born to work with children. God bless her and may she rest in peace. To her family, in this difficult time, words don’t always help. Hold on to the memories and just think of all of the lives she has touched. What an amazing woman!!
Katie Schallenkamp-Fokken