Margaret Koehnemann, the steadfast partner of MLB Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, is a philanthropist and attorney whose life intertwines with baseball and charity through Ryno Kid Care. Born on March 24, 1957, in Springfield, Illinois, Margaret married Sandberg in 1995, blending their families and co-founding Ryno Kid Care to support children with serious illnesses.
A Chicago Cubs fan since childhood, she was a rock for Sandberg through his 2024–2025 cancer battle, until his passing on July 28, 2025.
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Margaret Koehnemann Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Margaret Lorraine Koehnemann |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1957 |
| Age | 68 years |
| Dies | July 28, 2025 |
| Profession | Attorney, Philanthropist |
| Hometown | Springfield, Illinois, USA |
| Current Residence | Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Wife of Ryne Sandberg, Ryno Kid Care founder |
Early Life
Margaret Koehnemann was born in Springfield, Illinois, to educator parents who emphasized academics and community service. Her upbringing involved a deep love for reading and nature, as she enjoyed hiking and camping in her youth. Known for her academic excellence and leadership in school, she also grew up as a Chicago Cubs fan—an early connection to the baseball world that would later shape her future with Ryne Sandberg.
Her early years reflected independence and compassion, values that would later guide her legal career and inspire her philanthropic focus on children’s health.
Education
| Level | Institution |
| High School | Springfield-area schools |
| University | University of Illinois (B.S. in Business Administration) |
| Law School | DePaul University (J.D.) |
Family Details
| Relation | Name/Details |
| Father | Michael Koehnemann |
| Mother | Margaret Koehnemann |
| Spouse | Ryne Sandberg (m. 1995, d. 2025), Brian Koehnemann (ex) |
| Children | B.R., Adriane, Steven (from first marriage) |
| Stepchildren | Justin Sandberg, Lindsey Newton |
Margaret Koehnemann Career
Margaret began her professional journey as an attorney, working closely with the Chicago Cubs and serving as General Counsel for the Sandberg Group. Her legal experience proved essential in managing Sandberg’s post-MLB ventures.
In 1997, she co-founded Ryno Kid Care, a nonprofit that provides meals, mentors, and aid to seriously ill children. She became a recognized figure in sports law, even speaking at the Chicago Cubs Women’s Leadership Forum in 2017. Her blend of law, philanthropy, and leadership has continued to shape her public identity even after Ryne Sandberg’s passing.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Attorney Role | General Counsel, Sandberg Group |
| Charity Founding | Co-founded Ryno Kid Care (1997) |
| Recognition | ABA Top Female Attorney |
| Leadership Speech | Chicago Cubs Women’s Forum (2017) |
Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5–$10 million |
| Income Sources | Legal career, Ryno Kid Care, Sandberg Group |
| Assets | Lake Bluff home, Chicago condo |
Controversies
- 1995 Divorce Rumors: Allegations emerged that Margaret was involved with Ryne Sandberg before his divorce from Cindy White. Sandberg denied this in his autobiography.
- Cubs Legal Role: Critics questioned her legal role with the Cubs, citing possible nepotism, though she was recognized by the ABA.
- Ryno Kid Care Funding: Online speculation arose about funding transparency. However, no misuse of funds has been documented.
Recent Updates
- July 28, 2025: Margaret publicly mourned Ryne Sandberg’s passing and pledged to continue Ryno Kid Care. (Source)
- May 2025: Managed Ryne’s treatment during his cancer battle. He called her his “Team Captain.”
- December 2024: Led a major fundraiser for Ryno Kid Care after Sandberg’s relapse.
- August 2024: Attended a Cubs game with Ryne during his brief remission.
