Marguerite Doris “Margie” Blindt, 95, of Burlington, passed away peacefully at her home on November 20, 2025. Margie was born on November 19, 1930, to Gabriel and Ellen Moffit Wilkens in Nauvoo, Ill. On April 19, 1952, she was united in marriage to Roland Joseph “Joe” Blindt, who preceded her in death on March 23, 2009. Margie once wrote, “Of all the wonderful, happy memories of my childhood, nothing compared to the 57 years that I shared with Joe, the love of my life.” Together, they built a loving home, welcoming their three children through adoption. She always said her children were her most precious gifts and that they came by special delivery.
Margie was an active volunteer with many organizations, including Legion of Mary and the Big Sister program. Notably, Margie co-founded Birthright of Burlington in June 1974 and served as a regional consultant for 22 Iowa chapters, as well as chapters in Kansas and Nebraska. She participated in RAGBRAI, biking 523 miles across Iowa while wearing t-shirts with the Iowa Birthright phone number to raise awareness about the organization and spark meaningful conversations along the ride. In 1988, she and twelve colleagues from across the U.S. were invited to the White House and recognized by President Ronald Reagan for their advocacy.
She loved exploring the world, traveling multiple times to Canada and Europe, with her most memorable international trip taking her on a pilgrimage through Bethlehem and Jerusalem. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing as often as possible. She was a doting grandmother and great-grandmother and attended countless programs, games, and activities to show her support.
“Every day's a good day,” she would say, appreciating the beauty of life and the blessings of her faith, family, and friends. Margie will be remembered for her devotion to her Catholic faith, unconditional love of her family, compassion for others, gentleness, and humility. Her grandchildren will remember her as the world’s best Teddy Bear Picnic host, chocolate chip cookie master, pretend play extraordinaire, and overall best grandma and “Grandma Great.”
She is survived by sons Terry Blindt and Anthony Blindt, and daughter Teresa (Kenneth) Brueck; grandchildren: Benjamin Brueck, Justin (Julie) Brueck, Joseph (Kandi) Blindt, Nicholas (Haley) Blindt, Annalicia (Jacob) Wischmeier, Katelynn Blindt (Dakota Oberman), Jacob (Marie) Brueck, EmilyAnn (Spencer) Walrath, Jennifer (Zachary) Klein, Jessica Blindt (Marco Torres), MaryKatherine (Drew) Gaurke, MargaretMary (Michael) Franco; and great-grandchildren: Kadin, Gavin, Chloe, Conner, Maxwell, Eliza, Samuel, Oliver, Harlynn, Jacob, Callum, Bella, Bryce, Violet, Scarlett, Liam, Eli, Evelynn, Simon, Joseph, Caleb, Linus, Elaina, Ava, Cecilia, Cora, and Carolynn.
She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four sisters: Mary Delaney, Virginia Benjamin, Frieda Haas, and Ruth Grunewald, brother William Wilkens, and daughter-in-law Gina Louise Blindt.
Visitation will be from noon until 6:30 PM with the family to receive friends following a 4:00 PM Rosary Service until 6:30 PM Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Margie will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held at St. Paul's Church Hall following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Birthright of Burlington, Divine Mercy Parish, and Southeast Iowa Hospice.