Margaret Ann Walter, 92, of Burlington, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Margaret was born on Nov. 27, 1930, at St. Francis Hospital in Burlington. She was the daughter of Ray Countryman and Anna Kassel Countryman. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1948. Margaret married Charles Frederick Walter on June 3, 1950, in Burlington. They celebrated 46 years together until his passing in 1996.
They eventually moved to California where Margaret worked as a nurse’s aide in Sacramento. After moving back to Burlington, she worked as an Operating Room Technician at Burlington Medical Center until her retirement.
She was an extremely talented seamstress, making clothing for her children and grandchildren. She could make anything, from swimsuits to wedding dresses. She loved gardening and always had plants inside and out. She read books all the time and enjoyed listening to audiobooks. She had many dogs over the years and enjoyed providing her own mix of bird feed to the birds outside.
Later in life, Margaret became an avid bowler. She traveled the United States, as far as Hawaii and Niagara Falls, to bowl in state tournaments with her bowling team. Margaret also played Bingo regularly with her friends around town. She became interested in genealogy, even traveling to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City to do research.
She was a loving mother and deeply loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Every year on their birthday, she would call to sing Happy Birthday. There were many overnight visits, lots of laughs, jokes, and fun. She was an important part of all of their lives. Her ornery, tenacious spirit will forever be missed by her family and friends. The memories she gave us will carry on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her children: Cheri (Pat) Dacy, Kathi (Don) Coleman, Robyn Walter, and Jeff Walter; her grandchildren Michael (Michelle) Easley, Jason (Mindy) Easley, Dustin (Diane Hur) Hellberg, Ron (KeAira) Coleman, Zach Hellberg, Tim (Teresa) Coleman, Brett Dacy, Sam (Seth Garrett) Hellberg, Jenna (Mitch) Mehaffy, Lisa (Ben) Golwitzer, Jordon Walter, Sheyanne Walter, many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband, her daughter Pamela Hellberg, her grandson Brad Dacy, and her great-granddaughter Tiffany Easley.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. with the family receiving friends Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division St.
Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Animal Shelter.