Peggy Lynn Lester
February 22, 1961 ~ August 3, 2025
Peggy Lynn Lester age 64 of New Hampton died Sunday, August 3, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.
641-394-4334.
Born on February 22, 1961, Peggy was the eldest of eight children born to Norbert and Betty (Ries) Jenn. She grew up near North Washington, Iowa, where her family were devoted members of Immaculate Conception Church. Peggy attended New Hampton Schools, graduating with the Class of 1979.
It was at a dance at Galactica in Charles City where Peggy met the love of her life, Scott Lester. After a memorable night on the dance floor — and a double date with Peggy’s sister Laura and her husband Ron — a love story began that would last a lifetime. The two were married on November 26, 1983, at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. Together, they raised three children: Beau, Blaine, and Raegan.
Peggy’s warmth and bright personality made her a beloved figure wherever she went. The couple lived in New Hampton and later near the Jenn family farm, where Peggy began working at Ray’s Tap in Ionia. Over the years, she also served at the Pub and Klunders, where she truly shined. Peggy loved being a waitress — not just for the work itself, but for the joy of meeting new people, sharing stories, and making each person feel welcome. People came from all over not just for a meal, but for Peggy’s smile, her kindness, and her attention to detail. She genuinely cared about creating a great experience for others, and her presence made people feel at home.
Later in life, Peggy and Scott moved to Cedar Rapids and spent time in Arizona, always making friends and forming deep, lasting connections wherever they landed. No matter where life took them, they brought joy with them — a reflection of Peggy’s vibrant and loving spirit.
Peggy was known for her love of cleaning and decorating — always in motion, always making things brighter and more beautiful. She helped decorate homes and businesses in town and had an incredible eye for creating welcoming spaces. She especially loved spending time outdoors, often traveling with her family to Waterville, MN for fishing trips filled with bullhead dinners, laughter, and treasured memories.
Most of all, Peggy cherished her role as a grandmother. Watching her grandkids grow, cheering them on at their sporting events, and sharing special traditions brought her endless joy. One of those traditions was searching for naturally occurring heart shapes — in rocks, clouds, or wherever they appeared. Her grandchildren now carry on that sweet practice, always looking for hearts and remembering her love in every one they find.
Peggy was a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who knew her — a woman of kindness, strength, joy, and boundless love. She leaves behind a family who adored her and a community who will miss her deeply.
Peggy is survived by her husband Scott Lester of New Hampton; two sons, Beau (Ashley) Lester of New Hampton, Blaine (Megan) Lester of New Hampton; one daughter, Raegan Lester of New Hampton; four grandchildren, Capri Lester, Jet Lester, Maya Lester, Dominic Lester; two brothers, Kevin (Chris) Jenn of Amherst, NE, Kyle (Jennifer) Jenn of Tiffin, IA; five sisters, Laura (Ron) Frantzen of Ames, Tracey (Tim) Wilson of Colfax, IA, Kerry Blackman of Des Moines, Torri Jenn of Cedar Rapids, IA, Krista (Ronnie) Blocklinger of Cedar Rapids; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Peggy played a special role in the legacy of the Sammy Foundation in memory of her nephew Samuel Blocklinger. She was preceded in death by her parents.
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I am so sorry to see this! Peggy and I became friends when I had Blaine and Reagan in my classroom. Peggy and I had so many wonderful visits. She was a beautiful, wonderful person who will be missed by so many. Sending sympathy to her family and friends.😇
Lyn (Bruns) Bailey
To the entire Lester family.
Sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. We will remember her always. Love and prayers.
Ed and Sandy Shekleton
Scott, Reagan, Blaine and Beau, you all have my deepest sympathy. Hugs and prayers. 🙏
Deepest sympathy to Peggy’s family. I loved to visit with her, she was always a favorite at The Pinicon!! RIP Peggy🙏🙏💔
To the Lester family, please accept our sympathies for the loss of Peggy.
We were so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was such an amazing loving woman. Even during her battle she always had a smile on her face when we would see her. Our sincere condolences to all of you. She is resting peacefully in God’s loving arms now!
Scott,Beau and all family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on your loss of your wife and mom.
Craig and Denise Haupt
I’m so sorry and shocked to hear of a death of another class mate this year. Peggy was a very sweet person. God bless the family at this sad time. I can not make it Friday.
Sorry to hear about Peggy. They don’t come any nicer. We recently ran into each other at Klunders and exchanged hugs. I’ll miss her!! RIP my friend.
Scott and family I am so sorry to hear this news. Peg was such a sweet gal. It was great seeing you when you were in Arizona. You have my deepest sympathy. You will be in my prayers through these difficult days ahead.
I remember when Peggy and Scott had the trailer court out by the park. Such great people. Always a smile.
My heart and hugs to the family.
Scott, Reagen, Beau, Blaine and families, so VERY sorry for your loss. Peggy was a beautiful soul, inside and out. She was the BEST daycare provider for our daughter way back when. She was an all around wonderful lady taken way too soon.
Our deepest sympathy the the Lester family ,Peggy was such a wonderful neighbor to my mother for years. may she shine in heaven and smile down on you all!
Our deepest sympathy the the Lester family ,Peggy was such a wonderful neighbor to my mother for years. may she shine in heaven and smile down on you all!
We are deeply saddened to hear of Peg’s passing. She was so kind and gentle, and always greeted you with her infectious smile. Share your wonderful memories through your time of grief. Deepest condolences and prayers to Peg’s family.
Scott and family, You have our sympathy!
Terry and Connie Ewing
She was a beautiful woman and now she’s in heaven. And god bless you
This breaks our hearts! Such a sweet gal! Hugs to the family!
To the entire Lester family.
Sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. We will remember her always. May she rest in peace. Randy and Vickie Zeien
So sorry to hear this. Peggy was a sweet, energetic and bubble person. My sympathies to all of the Lester family!
So sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was such a sweet and kind daycare provider when Tad was young. Always positive and always happy. May she rest in peace. Hugs to the family.
My deepest sympathies to all of Peggy’s family. I remember her as a kind classmate, and it seems to me she died too young. Peace to you all.
Peggy Sue was a great treasure for many people. I will always hold my memories of her in my heart. God bless you, Peggy Sue and keep you as your journey is just beginning.
Buddy Holly is that you?
Scott and family, you have my deepest sympathy in the passing of Peggy, your wife and mother of your family. Peggy was very much enjoyed as a grand neighbor of Merle and Berniece. They really appreciated her friendship and kindness. May she rest in peace.
Deepest sympathies to the entire Jenn family……
Scott and family,
I am having trouble finding the right words to offer to all of you to express how very sorry we are to hear of Peggy’s passing. May your memories of all the good times you shared together bring you comfort in the days to come. God Bless!
Mike and Margie O’Neill
So sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was a special lady, mother and wife. Treasure your memories🙏
Dear Scott and Family,
I am truly sorry to learn of Peggy’s passing. She was such a lovely person. Her picture is just as I remember her; with that beautiful smile. You’re in my heart.
Sincerely,
Pat Martin
My sincere sympathy to Peggy’s family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
My deepest sympathy to Scott and family. I remember Peggy from high school, we were in the same class. She was a very kind person and always had a smile. It is sad to hear we lose yet another classmate at such a young age. Rest in peace Peggy.
-Mitchell Knutson
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful, kind & caring person Peg was. My deepest sympathy.
Peggy was as nice of a person as you could ever meet. She will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to Scott and family.
I am so sorry to read of Peggy’s passing. My sympathy to Scott and family, Laura and Ron, and the Jenn family.
Scott and Family. So very sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. Condolences to you all!
“Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” Peggy was one of those special people who left a lasting impression on all of us.
With heartfelt condolences,
Antoine Simpson and family
Antoine Lamont Simpson and Family
Sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing truly a remarkable woman of strength and compassion sending hugs and prayers for your family
She certainly looked like a ray of sunshine…memories live forever. Sympathy to the friends and family.
While I have not seen Peggy in a long time I have fond memories of her from my childhood. I was one of her city cousins that came to visit the Jenn farm every summer. I remember many hours playing outside, riding tractors, and petting animals. I especially loved chasing the kittens with her. What I’ll remember most about Peggy is her big smile. I think she will forever be smiling down upon all her family and friends and that will always make me happy!
Deepest sympathy to the Lester family. Peggy was a peach.
I am so sorry about Peggy’s passing. As mentioned in her story, she graduated from NHHS with the Class of 1979. As it happened, I was new to the NHHS staff in August 1978 and always enjoyed Peggy in my business classes, study hall, and even the common areas: lunchroom, hallways, library. Since the Class of 1979 was my first NHHS class, I have fond memories of those members. I frequently saw Peggy in the restaurants, at athletic events, grocery store so we always took a little time to chat and catch-up. Of course, I knew Scott too so it was nice to touch base with the both of them. They were always so friendly and enjoyed keeping me up to date with their three kids. I even remember them from NHHS. I had lost track when they moved and life sometimes gets in the way.
Prayers to all of you…Scott, Beau & family, Blaine & family, and Reagan as well as her Jenn siblings and their families. Always remember the good times; those memories will hold you through some tough times. And for as long as I have known Peggy, she always had a smile and a light in her eyes with kind words for all. Sorry this is rambling but she was one of the first students I met and made such a positive impression.
My sympathy to the Lester family.
Peggy had a smile for everyone. We were neighbors for quite a few years and I always enjoyed talking with her. RIP
Reagen was bornI think it was. We sure enjoyed her company and help. Always happy to have her, so full of energy. She is watching over you now and flying with the angels. Prayers to all of you, Linda Stolfus
Our deepest sympathy.
Dear Scott and family, Dave and I want to extend our sympathy to all of you. Fond memories will remain with all who knew her.
Our sympathies to the family, such a vibrant soul gone too soon.
Scott and family, we are so saddened to learn of Peggy’s passing. Treasure all those beautiful memories. Our prayers and sympathy to you and all of the Jenn family.
Leon and Nancy Wegner.
Sending prayers to her family. May her memories console you today. Jeanne and David Roder
Such a great tribute to a wonderful lady! She was such a sweetheart and always made people feel very special. Our condolences to the entire family.
She was a beautiful woman and now she’s in heaven. And god bless you
My condolences to the family. Sincerely, David Jenn