Funeral Mass for Margaret "Meg" Oberreuter

Margaret “Meg” Jane Oberreuter, 71, of Cedar Rapids died at home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, following a sudden illness. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, by Rev. Dennis Miller. Burial: St. Patrick Cemetery, North Garryowen, Bernard. A Rosary Service will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Teahen Funeral Home. Those not attending the Rosary Service may visit with the family from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home, and on Thursday after 9:30 a.m. before the mass.  

Meg is survived by her 3 children, Kevin Oberreuter of Iowa City, John Oberreuter of Cedar Rapids, and Sheila Oberreuter of McGregor; siblings, Monica (Stephen) Maurer, Ed Shanahan, Raymond Shanahan and David (Pearl) Shanahan; and 19 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Ellen Meehan Shanahan; in-laws, Francis and Theresa Oberreuter; and niece and goddaughter, Karen Maurer Brown.

Meg was born on April 17, 1953, in Maquoketa, the daughter of Donald and Ellen Meehan Shanahan. She graduated in 1971 from Maquoketa High School and received her BSN from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1974. Meg married Dennis Oberreuter in 1975 and three children were born from their union. Meg was a labor and delivery nurse for St. Luke’s Hospital and later worked at Linn County Public Health. She was a long time member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and a current member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Meg was actively involved in her St. Patrick's Parish community and could be found volunteering in various parish activities ranging from senior bingo, baking and working for various parish events.

Meg was a fierce advocate for persons with disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum. She served in many leadership roles in local and state levels to promote awareness and needs to members of the autism community. She shared information freely and was a mentor and friend to many. Meg was relentless in her desire to make life better for families affected by autism. She possessed a gift of gab, and was also an exceptionally skilled seamstress. Meg was a wonderful baker, known for her delicious fudge, peanut clusters, brownies and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies which had all gained legendary status. Above all, Meg was a loving and devoted mother who cherished spending time with her family.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous or The Arc of East Central Iowa.