Margaret Tigges

Margaret Louise (Beye) Tigges, formerly of Melbourne, IA, passed away December 19 at Calvin Community in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born January 5, 1928, in Haverhill, IA, to Russell and Merle (Groff) Beye. Margaret played basketball, participated in plays, and was valedictorian of her Van Cleve High School class. She was united in marriage to Delmar L. Tigges on June 4, 1947, and they enjoyed 72 years together. Their four children are Gary, Daryl, Cathy, and Pamela.

Margaret devoted her life to family and farm, working side by side with Delmar. She helped with their dairy herd and farm chores, planting a large garden, canning and freezing produce, and baking the best bread, cinnamon rolls, and pies. She enjoyed going to auctions and estate sales, fishing, fairs, and attending her children’s activities. In retirement, she and Delmar traveled by train, plane, and automobile across the U.S., including visits to grandchildren and family members, and a trip to Germany. She will be dearly missed by her loving family.

An accomplished seamstress, Margaret spent many winter days sewing and quilting. Her children, grandchildren, and other family and friends were recipients of quilts stitched with love for babies, weddings, graduations, and other celebrations. She donated many small quilts to Child Abuse Prevention Services in Marshalltown and lap robes to nursing care facilities.

Margaret was known for her willingness to support her church by serving as Deaconess and Sunday School Superintendent for Van Cleve Congregational Church, and as a Sunday School teacher at St. John’s Melbourne United Church of Christ. She was a member and active participant of St. John’s Women’s Fellowship, famous for her speedy and tiny stitches on quilting days.

At Calvin Community, Margaret participated in many activities, including Wii bowling. She was a leader on their team, competitive and always striving for a higher score. In fact, Margaret liked competing in just about any game – Chinese checkers, dominoes, Scrabble, or Words with Friends. Margaret was known for her green thumb with indoor plants, often starting new plants from hers to share with Calvin staff and friends.

Margaret is survived by her four children: Gary Tigges (Roberta), Daryl Tigges, Cathy Eddy (William), and Pamela Van De Weert (Barney), and three grandchildren, Katherine Tigges, Jacob Van De Weert (Erica Moore), and Sarah Van De Weert. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Delmar; parents, Russell and Merle (Groff) Beye; brothers, Robert Beye and Gilbert Beye; and sisters, Isabel (Ernie) Fritchie, Nina (Ross) Leversee, and Lucile (Earl) Wagoner.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Melbourne on December 30th at 11:00 AM with visitation with the family one hour prior. Internment will be at the Melbourne Cemetery, with a luncheon served after at St. John’s. Masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Child Abuse Prevention Services in Marshalltown. The family thanks the staff at Calvin Community for the care and support given to Margaret.

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