Margo Pleggenkuhle

margo pleggenkuhle

September 4, 1944 ~ July 13, 2024

Born in: New Hampton, Iowa
Resided in: Fredericksburg, Iowa

Margo Pleggenkuhle age 79 of Fredericksburg, IA, died Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner, IA surrounded by her family.

Funeral will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg with Scott Smith presiding. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg with Megan, Lindsey, Alex, Haley, Jed, Braden, and Logan serving as honorary urnbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in Fredericksburg have been entrusted with arrangements.

Born on September 4, 1944, in New Hampton, Iowa to Lyle and Marjorie (Ellison) Mattke, Margo’s effervescent spirit was evident from an early age. She was the cherished wife of Roger Pleggenkuhle for 61 years. After a basketball game, they became highschool sweethearts when Roger consoled Margo after the tragic death of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. They were then married on September 22, 1962 at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and enduring memories.

A proud graduate of Fredericksburg High School in 1962, Margo’s education laid the foundation for her lifelong love of learning and connecting with others. She embraced the role of homemaker with enthusiasm and creativity, always finding ways to infuse her daily tasks with social interaction and joy. Whether it was through her work at AMPI in Fredericksburg, Rockwell Automation in Sumner, Comprehensive Systems in New Hampton or her extensive involvement in community activities, Margo made a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Margo’s interests were as vibrant and diverse as her personality. She had an unparalleled talent for creating homemade birthday cards adorned with stickers, which were treasured by family and friends. Her love for jewelry was evident, as she had an exquisite collection that she wore with pride and loved sharing with her great grand daughters. Holidays were a special time for Margo, as she delighted in setting festive tables that became the centerpiece of family gatherings. She invented fun games to play at holidays, which included baskets of prizes to choose from. Always dressed “to the nines,” she exuded elegance and charm, leaving a lasting impression on those around her.

For several years, Margo and Roger wintered in Las Vegas, bringing a bit of their Iowa traditions and fun to the desert. Margo’s curious nature led her to collect an array of eclectic items, from beautiful rocks (half eaten jawbreaker) to unique trinkets, each with its own story. Her “birthday crown” was a beloved tradition, symbolizing her approach to life: every day was worth celebrating.

Margo was known for her “Margo-isms” and “Margo-moments,” which brought smiles and laughter to friends and family alike. Her witty remarks and spontaneous antics were endearing and often the highlight of any gathering. A devoted volunteer at the local treasure chest, she found joy in giving back to her community and helping those in need.

An avid fisherwoman, Margo cherished the tranquility of being on the water and the thrill of the catch. She was also the life of the party, always ready to raise a glass, share a dance, or tell a joke. Her love for life was infectious, and her presence made every occasion more fun and memorable.

Above all, Margo was loving, funny, and spirited. Her unwavering love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life. She was a devoted mother to her children, Jody Meier, Jay Pleggenkuhle, and Jill Nicolaisen, and their bond was a testament to her nurturing and affectionate nature.

Margo’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Her family and friends will forever hold dear the memories of her vibrant spirit and the light she brought into their lives.

Margo is survived by her husband Roger Pleggenkuhle of Fredericksburg; daughter Jody (RJ) Meier of Fredericksburg, son Jay Pleggenkuhle (Elliott Nilsson) of Las Vegas; and Jill (Jon) Nicolaisen of Fredericksburg; brother Curt Mattke of Las Vegas; Sister Rosalie (Dave) Richardson of Fredericksburg; grandchildren: Megan (Mitch) McDonough, Lindsey Taylor, Alex (Sarah) Sternat, Nathan (Sarah) Nicolaisen, Haley (Derek) Nelson, Jed Meier, Ali (Ethan) DeGross, Braden Pleggenkuhle, Jared (Laura) Nicolaisen, Emma Nicolaisen, and Logan Pleggenkuhle; great – grandchildren: Vaughn and Vance McDonough; Otto and Stella Taylor; Skylar, Tate, and Aubrey Sternat; Leah, Aria Margo, and Max Nelson; Ava and Ian Nicolaisen; and Charlie DeGross; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She treasured each and every one dearly. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Marjorie (Ellison) Mattke; and parents-in-law Alfred and Erma Pleggenkuhle.

(563) 237-6212

Services

Visitation: July 18, 2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Peace United Church of Christ
221 Oak St
Fredericksburg, IA 50630

(563) 237-5743
https://peaceuccfburgia.org

Funeral: July 18, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Peace United Church of Christ
221 Oak St
Fredericksburg, IA 50630

(563) 237-5743
https://peaceuccfburgia.org

Graveside: July 18, 2024 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Rose Hill Cemetery
699 N Jackson Street
Fredericksburg, IA 50630

641-394-4334

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

    • Sheryl J Brooks
      I got to visit and celebrate a couple of big Anniversary and birthday celebrations with my BFF Jane Schmidtke. We also visited Margo at home just after her release for recovery. It’s been a pleasure sharing time and seeing your family together. My deepest sympathy to the Pleggenkuhle family. Sorry I now have COVID I can’t attend funeral or I’d be there

  1. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dena and Zac Palmer and Dean Speicher

  2. May God grant Roger and all Margo’s family and friends peace and comfort. Sorry for your loss

  3. Roger, Jay, Jill and Jody. Sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman. She will be missed by many

  4. Roger and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Margo will be a huge loss for all. I pray the Lord will give you comfort.

  5. I’m so very sorry to read of Margo’s passing. She was a special soul. I so enjoyed spending time with her. Prayers for Roger, her family , and friends.

  6. Our deepest sympathy to Margo’s family and friends. Thoughts and prayers. Keith and Barb Speicher

  7. Margo was a kind hearted woman I knew her when I lived in Fredericksburg Iowa she will be missed. Remember the good days you had with her

  8. Roger and family, my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear wife, Margo. We have been distant friends since childhood when our families the Rochford and the Mattke families were neighbors. A lovely lady, Margo’s characteristics were friendships, love and kindness for others. She will be missed.

  9. So sorry to hear of Margo’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathy to the family. Loved our visits on her golf cart as she traveled by. Dennis & Diane Shurtleff

  10. Roger and family,
    So sorry to learn of Margo’s death, as know it will be a tremendous loss for you all. I so enjoyed all our Facebook conversations. She was such a kind person and really enjoyed life. May God grant you strength and hope in the coming days🙏🏻🌹

  11. What a wonderful lady and soul. So loved the time I spent working with her. My deepest sympathy to all who loved her.
    Donna Jones

  12. Heartfelt sympathies to you Roger and family. I have so many happy memories of my friendship with Margo in our childhood through high school. She was one of my closest friends and know she will be sorely missed by many. Jan Wenndt

  13. So sorry to hear about Margo. She was such a sweet lady. I loved working with her at the Treasure Chest. Sending prayers to the family 🙏🙏🙏 God has gained another special ANGEL in heaven…

  14. My thoughts are with you all..Roger, Jody, Jay, and Jill. When I think of Margo I always think of her smile, as in my memories she is always smiling and maybe a hint of mischief too. So sorry for your loss.

  15. So, so sorry for your loss! Margo was such a lovely lady. I always loved hearing your family updates when my mom and she worked together at Rockwell. That was a great time for them. Hope she’s giving my mom updates about us now! Take care!

  16. I am heartbroken to hear of Margo’s death. She always had a smile and a kind word. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult journey. No need to be strong now, lean on your family, close friends and your God.

  17. Margo was one of a kind. So thankful she took and kept me in her heart. I’m grateful for every moment we got to spend together. She’ll forever be my other mother. ❤️

  18. Heartbroken from afar – thinking of you all – I loved Margo very much – She was so much fun and always so welcoming xo

  19. Rest in peace Margo 🙏.
    She was such a sweet lady.
    Sending love, blessings & condolences to the family…
    May she continue to warm your hearts through your loving thoughts & memories of her. ❤️

  20. Sharing time with Margo, Roger and the Pleggenkuhle family while celebrating several special occasions with my gf Jane Schmidtke leaves me many good memories. I’m sorry for the loss of such an amazing woman. Her love of family and community will be remembered. Sorry for your loss

  21. Aunt Margo, you will be so missed!! I will always remember your laugh, your games and you were so much fun to be around. That sneaky smile you had when you were trying to think of a way to get back at Roger or the kids. We love you so much!! Uncle Roger, Jody, Jay and Jill, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I wish we could be there with you during this time but we cannot. We are holding you all in our hearts today and always. Love The Seymour family

  22. My deepest Sympathies to Margo’s Family and Friends. She was a Treasure. I looked forward to her days volunteering at the Treasure Chest. Her smile was infectious.

  23. Roger and family. Our condolences and prayers for you . So sorry to learn of Margo passing.


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