Margaret “Maggie” Kleinschmidt

Margaret “Maggie” A. Kleinschmidt, 81, of Harpers Ferry, died Thursday, January 2, 2020, at her home. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 11, at 1 p.m. at the Harpers Ferry Community Center with Fr. John Moser officiating. A lunch will follow immediately after the services at the community center, where there will be a time to greet the family. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, is handling arrangements.

Margaret “Maggie” Ann Kleinschmidt was born June 21, 1938, in Dougherty, the daughter of Earl Ray and Lucy Betty (Warner) McCauley. She graduated from Rockford High School in 1957, and attended La James College of Beauty in Mason City. February 22, 1959, she married Donald Lavern Kleinschmidt at the Methodist Church in Rockford. Maggie and Don had a flooring business in Waverly, where she did the secretarial work for many years. In 1975, they moved to Harpers Ferry, where she worked as a cook at the Harbor House, a cashier at the grocery stores, worked for the postal service, and for Don’s duck calling business. Before Don went into Thornton Manor, she was his caregiver for twelve years.

Maggie was a member of the Harpers Ferry Women’s Auxiliary and a bowling league for many years. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and grand dogs. Maggie enjoyed watching her grandchildren play baseball and bowling with them on the Wii, needlework, and baking. She was known for her big heart, infectious smile, and quick wit. Maggie took many trips with Don through the flooring business including to Jamaica and the Bahamas and a trip to Yugoslavia with her son Doug. One of the biggest highlights in life was when she attended her 50th class reunion in Rockford and visited with classmate Robert Waller, who was the author of The Bridges of Madison County.

Survivors include her children: Doug (Liz) Kleinschmidt of Tacoma, WA, Jody (Ron) Delaney of Harpers Ferry, and Connie Kleinschmidt of Luana; six grandchildren: Dustin (Miranda McCormick) Thorstenson, Amanda Furr, John (Jason Burkum) Delaney, Shawn Delaney, Ashlee (Auston May) Thorstenson, and Jessyka Kleinschmidt; four great-grandchildren: Carlee and Brody Thorstenson, Denver Halverson, and Lincoln May; her twin sister Mary Stange of Mason City; two sisters-in-law: Jan and Mary Lou McCauley; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Donald, who died in 2019; infant granddaughter Lisa Delaney; and two brothers: Melvin and Marvin McCauley.

Honorary casketbearers are Margaret’s grandchildren.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.