Margaret "Maggie" Elizabeth Recker

Margaret “Maggie” Elizabeth Recker age 89 of New Hampton, formerly of Alta Vista, died Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2026 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.

Inurnment will take place at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista, IA.

Maggie was born on October 27, 1936, in Elma, Iowa, the daughter of Ken and Ruth (Mealy) Gansen. She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Elma and graduated in 1955. It was during this time that Maggie’s life took a wonderful turn when mutual friends arranged a blind date between her and Joseph Recker. What began as a blind date quickly blossomed into a lifelong love. Maggie and Joe were united in marriage on November 16, 1955, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma. To this union, seven children were born: Steve, Gary, Sharon, Shirley, Donna, Bev, and James.

Following their marriage, Maggie and Joe made their home on the family farm just three miles east of Alta Vista. It was there that they put down deep roots and built a life together that would span more than seven decades. Maggie worked alongside Joe on the farm and devoted countless hours to raising their children and caring for her family. Their home and farm were always filled with activity, love, and plenty of life.

Maggie had a true love for the outdoors and for all things living. She loved being outside, enjoying nature, and caring for animals. It seemed there was always room for another pet at the Recker home. Over the years, the family had hamsters, fish, birds, dogs, horses, and many other animals that Maggie welcomed with open arms. Her love for animals and nature was simply a part of who she was.

She also enjoyed her trips to Zimmerman’s, where she could always find something that caught her eye. Whether it was a beautiful flower to bring home or a new pastry she just had to try, Maggie enjoyed the simple pleasures and never seemed to mind treating herself to something she liked.

Maggie had a gift for helping others and was always willing to put her talents to work for those around her. Over the years, she catered many weddings throughout the area, including celebrations in Fredericksburg, Lawler, Cresco, Alta Vista, Elma, and many surrounding communities. She also made salads for Chaff’s Restaurant and was known to help people by sewing things for them. Whether she was cooking, baking, sewing, or simply lending a helping hand, Maggie found joy in doing for others.

She was a devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she held many different offices throughout the years. Her commitment to the organization reflected her willingness to serve her community and give her time to others. Maggie also served on the Alta Vista Library Board, another example of her dedication to the community she called home.

Above all, Maggie was a kind soul. She had a caring heart, a generous spirit, and a way of making people feel welcome. She found happiness in her family, her home, the farm, the outdoors, animals, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout the years. Her life was built around love, service, and the simple joys that made each day special.

Maggie’s greatest legacy will live on in her family and in the many people who were fortunate enough to know her. The roots she and Joe planted on their farm were deep, but the roots of love and kindness she planted in the lives of her family and friends will reach even farther.

Maggie is survived by one son, Steve (Karen Ptacek) Recker of New Hampton; three daughters, Sharon (David) Moreno of Chino Valley, AZ, Shirley (Steve) Babcock of New Hampton, Bev (Rick) Christeson of Manly, IA; nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, John (Pat) Gansen of Nora Springs IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joe in 2020; three children, Donna in infancy, James in infancy, Gary in 2015; one sister, Carol (Will) Breitbarth.