Margaret Ann "Peggie" Schultz

Margaret "Peggie" Ann Schultz, lovingly known as Mama Bear by her daughters, passed away suddenly at age 70 on Friday, September 19, 2025. A Mass to celebrate her life will be held at her beloved church, St. Ambrose Cathedral, on Saturday, October 4, at 10 a.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date. A lifelong resident of Des Moines, Peggie carried her home with her wherever she went.

Early in her career, Peggie blazed trails as one of the first women in her field. She joined Local 347 Electricians Union in May 1984 and worked for Baker Electric and NOEL Electric, contributing her expertise to major projects such as The Plaza downtown and the Pella Water Plant, before furthering her career at Albright Lighting and Spectrum Lighting. A true pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated trade, Peggie combined skill, determination, and creativity, eventually founding her own company, Lampin' Lady, a chandelier-cleaning and light-repair business renowned throughout the Des Moines Metro. Whether wiring a building or polishing a crystal drop, Peggie brought artistry, precision, and pride to every project.

Creativity pulsed through her life: she crafted stained-glass panels, lamps, decorations, and repurposed treasures into something new-she never met a project she couldn't re-imagine. But Peggie's true light came from her personality-blunt and refreshingly honest, fiercely loyal, and endlessly generous. Friends and family cherished her colorful stories and signature "Peggie-isms," the phrases only she could deliver with a grin. She was quick to help anyone in need, often giving away her own belongings without a second thought.

To her daughters, Julia and Gretchen, she was always Mama Bear-protective, encouraging independence, and full of love, even in her "tough love" moments. She adored being "grandma" to her daughters' animals, a role she happily embraced during her visit this past February. Time with friends was another joy; Darcy, her closest companion and "sister in spirit," often joined her on job sites as an apprentice and partner-in-laughter. They had each other's back and reminded everyone that family extends beyond blood. And recently, she celebrated discovering and getting to know her brother, Mark and his beautiful family.

Peggie's deepest calling was her faith and service at St. Ambrose Cathedral. A devoted servant leader, she was always available to help, whether rewiring a doorbell, polishing woodwork, or visiting the homebound with Holy Communion. She helped bring faith alive for countless young people as a 2nd- and 6th-grade catechist and through years of dedication to the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program, serving as team member and sponsor for new parishioners year after year. She was a team leader for Christ Renews His Parish, continued with the outreach long after the program ended, and faithfully served at Mass as a lector and Eucharistic minister. Always early and willing to work, Peggie embodied the heart of her parish.

She is survived by her daughters, Julia Kelly of San Diego and Gretchen Schultz of Des Moines; cousins Jim Keller, Kathy Thiessen, Dave Keller, Kayla Keller, Bill Keller, and Karen Alexander; dear friends and neighbors Darcy and Ken Culver, and devoted son-in-law, Hugo Negrete. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jan (Janice Regina Keller), her sister, Patricia (Mary Pat), and her three beloved dogs, Princess, Diamond, and Georgie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to help with funeral expenses may be directed to the family.

Peggie's life was a brilliant mix of artistry, strength, and humor. Her creativity, generosity, and Mama Bear spirit will live on in the countless stories-told with laughter-that those who loved her will share for years to come. Her warmth, determination, and dedication to family, friends, and community leave a lasting legacy and a light that will never dim.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.