Section: 323 Lot: 258 Grave: 4

Obituary

Margaret M. "Peggy" Geren passed away in her sleep, November 29, 2018.

Born in Burlington, May 3, 1924 to Samuel and Mathilda (Stumpf) Ertz.

Peggy was baptized and grew up attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She was very devoted to her religion throughout her life.

On September 6, 1947, Peggy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Geren who preceded her in death, July 17, 2004. Together, they enjoyed golfing and going on golf trips with friends. They were community minded and volunteered in various organizations and events.

For most of her life, Peggy was a homemaker. She did work for Payne Plumbing & Heating, Kleinkopf Insurance and the Iowa Soap Company. She was a long time election poll worker, a volunteer with the Catholic School System, and worked as a buyer and cashier for the Burlington Medical Center Gift Shop. Peggy volunteered wherever she could, including Apple Trees Museum, Cub Scout Den Mother, St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, Knight’s of Columbus and Birthright. She was a past member of the Des Moines County Historical Society, Flint Hills Ladies Golf and Bowling Leagues.

Peggy was a life member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (St. Mary’s St. Patrick’s). Among her other interests were reading, a long time member of several book clubs, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, sewing and gardening. She was a greeter serving “goodies” during the Christmas Holidays at Burlington Bank where her husband was a vice president (now Two River’s Bank).

Peggy enjoyed traveling with her husband, son and daughter-in-law, nieces and nephews, and other family members. She also enjoyed bus trips with the Bank Club and Great River Club.
Peggy always had a positive attitude. She had a wonderful sense of humor which she said in her journal helped her raise a cantankerous son. Highly religious, Peggy writes how pleased she was when her nephew, Father Dennis Martin became a Catholic Priest.

Peggy enjoyed family reunions and spending time with a special niece, Sandra Massick in Wisconsin, the two took turns spoiling each other.
Peggy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Steve Brockway and son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Kathy Geren. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Jennifer Brockway and her two daughters, grandson Chad (Julie) Geren and their three daughters, and Daniel II (Kasi) and their daughter. Two step grandchildren, Brandon Burrus and his 3 sons, and Kara Kirk and her son and daughter. Peggy had 28 nieces and nephews (2 deceased) and many cousins and friends.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, her parents, 4 sisters, Kathleen Martin, Helen Hinson, Marian Palmer and Virginia Martin as well as 4 brothers, Jim, Tom, Leo and Buddy Ertz, as well as a nephew, Bernie Boyle, niece, Sandra Massick, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws.

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, December 3, 2018 with the family to receive friends following a 5:00 PM Rosary Service until 7:00 pm at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Margaret will be 10:00AM Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Divine Mercy Parish St.-Mary's Catholic Church, West Burlington with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. Music will be provided by the Des Moines County Resurrection Choir. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church following the burial.

Per Peggy’s wishes, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Burlington Notre Dame Teacher’s Foundation, Birthright, St. Vincent De Paul, St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s Church and the Des Moines County Historical Society.