Margaret Brinkmeyer

1924 - 2024

Margaret Brinkmeyer

July 29, 1924 - December 2, 2024

Margaret Ann (Peg) Brinkmeyer, 100, of Bettendorf, Iowa (formerly Rock Island, Ill.) passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Monday, December 2, 2024.

Peg was born on July 29, 1924, to Ralph and Muriel (Gately) Kurtz. She was a 1942 graduate of Fort Dodge High School and attended Northwestern University School of Nursing in Evanston, Ill., graduating in 1946 and working as a nurse in the Des Moines area for several years. Peg was united in marriage to Francis (Brink) Brinkmeyer on August 22, 1953, and they celebrated nearly 69 years of marriage together.

Peg was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker who poured her heart into raising her family of five children. She loved to decorate her home, create marvelous baked goods, and throw wonderful parties for family and friends. Peg and Brink looked forward to hosting annual 4th of July barbecues and New Year's Eve parties that often lasted into the wee hours of the morning. Peg was very active in her children's lives, serving as a den mother for Boy Scouts, President of PTA at Earl Hanson Elementary, and stitching hand-made, award-winning Halloween costumes for her children. She was a 76-year member of First Congregational Church, Moline, where she was involved in the many guilds, including Congregators and Gleaners. Peg was also a proud member of PEO chapter BK.

As their children grew older, Peg and Brink decided to embark on a new adventure together, opening the Kwik-Kleen Laundromat in Rock Island which they successfully operated for over 23 years. Peg was beloved by the laundromat's employees and customers alike. More recently, Peg, with husband in tow, never missed her grandsons' sporting events and would love to brag about their accomplishments both on and off the field. Peg also loved to travel both domestically and internationally, and just last February, at 99 ½ years young, she enjoyed a trip to Siesta Key, Fla., where she dipped her toes in the Gulf of Mexico and chaperoned a boat full of troublemakers.

A celebration of Peg's life will be held in the spring, honoring her wishes to be celebrated in the warmth. Inurnment will take place at the Rock Island National Cemetery, followed by a private ceremony at the Hubbard Cemetery in Hubbard, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to any of the following: Quad City Arts 1715 2nd Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201; Quad City Symphony 327 N. Brady St, Davenport, IA 52807; First Congregational Church 2201 7th Ave. Moline, IL 61265.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Joyce) Brinkmeyer, Charleston, Ill., Kurt Brinkmeyer, Portland, Ore., Tom Brinkmeyer, Aspen, Colo., John Brinkmeyer, Seattle, Wash., Sara (David) Wells, Bettendorf; grandchildren, Justin Brinkmeyer, Shannon (Dan) Johnson, Eric Wells, Mark (Maddy) Wells, Jack Wells; and two great grandchildren. Peg is also survived by all of her favorite nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brink; her parents; her sisters, Bonnie and Donna; and brother, Ralph.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Genesis Hospice, especially Angie and Brandy for the exceptional and loving care provided to Peg. Additionally, our family cannot express how grateful we are for the Hospice Visitors Sue and Karen who became Peg's dear friends during her hospice journey.

Condolences may be left at www.RaffertyFunerals.com.