Sibley, IA

Margaret Harper, age 81 of Sibley, IA died Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday June 21st, 2012 at United Methodist Church in Sibley with Rev. Shannon Pascual officiating.

Burial will follow at Lennox Cemetery in Lennox, SD.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.

Margaret Harper was born October 30, 1930 in Lennox, South Dakota to Burt and Katie (De Vries) Poppinga. She was raised and received her education in the Lennox area. In February of 1952 she was united in marriage to Harold Harper at her parent’s farm near Lennox.

Margaret was a kind and compassionate woman who was quick with a smile and devoted to her family. She worked in the kitchen at the Osceola Community Hospital and retired in 1994 as a custodian from Sibley-Ocheyedan School. She was a member and an officer in the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 40 years. She was active in the Methodist Church and gave her time and talents to many worthy causes.

Margaret helped deliver Meals on Wheels even though she needed a walker to get to the car. Her favorite activities were the coffee group, which is a wonderful group of women who support, encourage and inspire each other. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, and many TV game shows. She was never happier than when the kids were home and she got to spend time with her grandchildren. She counted the time she spent with her family the most precious.

She will be missed daily and always by her children, Bruce (Cindy) Harper of Sibley, IA, Sharon Harper of Des Moines, Larry (Carol) Harper of Sibley, IA, Mike (Pam) Harper of Sanborn, IA, and Greg (Patty) Harper of Houston, TX; 5 grandchildren, Jaymie (Kelly) Harper, Shawn Harper, Maggie Harper, Andrew Harper and Alexander Harper; 6 step-grandchildren, Bill (Nichole) Todd, Crystal (Bryon) Anderson, Luke Todd and Cody Todd; 3 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; and many cousins and friends.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold; brother, Norm; and sister, Tillie.