Peggy A. Klein

October 20, 1917 - October 26, 2021

Peggy A. Klein, 104, of Oskaloosa died Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Peggy was born October 20, 1917, to James and Elizabeth Hilton McKibbin. She was one of six children born on the farm south of Laurel, Iowa. Peggy graduated in 1930 from 8th grade at the Country School and from Newton High School in 1934 at age 16 with an emphasis in business. Peggy was a modern day “pioneer woman” if there ever was one. She loved to “live off the land” as much as she could. She looked forward to harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden and fruit from her orchard. She enjoyed canning and preserving her produce to enjoy throughout the year. Everyone looked forward to her canned goods but her homemade applesauce was always a special treat. She was a talented cook and baker; she will be remembered for her homemade donuts. She always had the coffee on and a meal or a treat ready for visitors. Her love for the farm and livestock continued over the years through her buying and selling of cattle, bookkeeping, and managing the farm. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and making Christmas Stockings and blankets for family and friends. Peggy was an active member of Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa where she loved teaching and serving and growing in her faith and love for the Lord. Peggy had a great desire for everyone to know the Lord. She centered her life around Psalm 103:2 “With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind He has been. In her neighborhood she was considered “mom” and “grandma” to many young and old. This was due to her kind spirit and servant heart and always having a smile and hug for anyone. She will be missed dearly. Her family includes her daughter and her husband, Ann and Vince Harned of rural Oskaloosa; grandchildren, Chris (Tiffany) Harned, Sarah (Jesse) Westaby, Jeff (Lisa) Harned, and Tim (Katie) Harned; great grandchildren, Cale, Jake, Pete, Micaiah, Hadassah, Jonas, Naomi, Asa, Eliana, Juliette, and Waylynn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Peggy was preceded in death by her son Tom Willemsen; two husbands, Ray Willemsen, and Elmer Klein; her parents; two brothers, James McKibbin and John McKibbin; three sisters, Betty Stemsrud, Sara Blum, and Priscilla Anderson. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. in the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Jon Nelson officiating. There will be a family prayer service at 9:45 Saturday morning in the east lounge of the church. Burial will be in the Hazelwood Cemetery at Grinnell, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Friday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Friday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to MHP Hospice Serenity House or Central Reformed Church Benevolent Fund.