Marjorie E. Mefferd (Pannkuk)

Marjorie Ellen Mefferd, known affectionately as Margie, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on November 6, 1927, in Burt, Iowa, she was the beloved daughter of Evert Henry and Lizzie Ellen (Giddings) Pannkuk. Margie was the eldest of five siblings, including Duane (Bud) Arden Pannkuk, Mary Lou (Pannkuk) Conine, Clifford Roy Pannkuk, and Mildred (Millie) Evert Dena Rose (Pannkuk) Bleeker.

After graduating from Burt High School, Margie moved to Des Moines to attend cosmetology school. Discovering an allergy to hair chemicals, she transitioned to a successful career as a housekeeper, earning multiple awards and working diligently until her 80s.

Margie met Kenneth (Kenny) Arthur Zimmerman, whom she married on June 17, 1946. Together, they had three children: twins Kenneth Allen Zimmerman and Kay Ellan (Zimmerman) Ridgway (Randy), born on April 17, 1947, and Larry Arthur Zimmerman, born on March 26, 1949. Following Kenny's passing, Margie found love again with Jack Mefferd. At 78, she celebrated a beautiful wedding with Jack. After Jack's passing, Margie continued to reside in her south side Des Moines home, remaining active and engaged until her death.

Margie was a vibrant member of the South Des Moines Senior Center, participating in aerobic and chair yoga classes and volunteering her time generously. She cherished weekend getaways to Lake Rathbun with her daughter Kay, family gatherings, and annual family reunions. Recently, her family uncovered a hidden talent for writing poetry, a testament to her creativity and introspection.

Margie is preceded in death by her two husbands, Kenneth Zimmerman and Jack Mefferd; her son, Larry Zimmerman; and three siblings, Bud Pannkuk, Mary Lou Conine, and Clifford Pannkuk.

Margie is survived by her sister, Mildred Bleeker of Ames, IA; her children, Kenneth Zimmerman of Des Moines, IA, and Kay Ridgway (Randy) of Mitchellville, IA; her grandchildren, Jodi Berven of Norwalk, IA, and Tory Harding (Terri) of Stuart, IA, Carolyn Stevenson, Sherry West, Ronda West, and Lisa Stevenson, all of Des Moines, IA, as well as Wendy Issichopoulos (Evan) of Apache Junction, AZ, Charles Ridgway of Altoona, IA, Matthew Ridgway of Prairie City, IA; and many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Margie's warmth, spirit, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Family will be greeting friends on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home; 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Marjorie will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens; 7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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