Margaret Mary Knight Zeran was the daughter of Mary Virginia Loring Knight and Dr. Russell Austin Knight. She was born on Feb. 6, 1939, in Rockford, Ia. at her parents' home and delivered by her father. She married Dr. Theodore Russell Zeran, Sept. 19, 1959, in Rockford, Ia.
Margaret graduated from Rockford High School where she was active in basketball, a cheerleader, glee club, and played the oboe in the concert band and drums in the marching band.
After her marriage, the couple moved to Fayette, Ia. Margaret worked for two attorneys while Ted took one more year of schooling to complete his requirements for medical school. They moved to Iowa City, Ia. in 1960. Margaret worked at the Occupational Therapy Department for four years. After that, they moved to Des Moines where Ted did his internship and were there for 2 years. Then off to Alexandria, Vir. for military service at St. Elizabeth's hospital. Then they moved to Rochester, Minn. for 3 years of ophthalmology training at the Mayo Clinic. After 15 years of Ted's training, they moved to Burlington in 1971. By this time they had three children. Mary born in Iowa City, Michael born in Virginia and Melissa born in Burlington.
Margaret's main interest and commitment was to her family, for which she cared in many ways. She had two grandchildren that she loved very much and cherished her old and new friends. She was skilled in cooking, gardening, sewing, knitting, woodworking, rosemaling painting, wood carving, and many other things which she shared with her children and friends.
In July 2007, her hip broke and she ventured on a marathon that consumed three years. With 11 anesthetics and seven surgeries, she was left somewhat handicapped and limited with what she could do. But she was very creative in finding ways to do the things she wanted to accomplish and keep her independence as much as possible. This attitude remained with her during her whole life.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving are three children, Mary (Jeff) Zeran Schipper, Michael (Barbara) Zeran, and Melissa Fell (Dan); her sister, Sanda Allgood (Don); two grandchildren, Emma and Tom; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 12 to 5 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Mrs. Zeran will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at First Congregational Church with Pastor Jim Francisco officiating. Burial will be in Odd Fellow Cemetery in Indianola, Ia. A time of food and fellowship will be held at First Congregational Church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for First Congregational Church.