Margaret Louise (Blunt) Winter, 94, passed away peacefully Thursday,
January 9, 2025 at the Iowa Veterans Home with loving family and friends by her side and a song in her heart. She was born on July 22, 1930 in Milford, Iowa the daughter of Chester and Valborg (Nelson) Blunt. Margaret attended Terril Community School through the 9th grade and then moved to Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Margaret graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Drake University where she studied music and was an outstanding vocalist. She taught school for the first few years after college. Margaret met the love of her life, James “Jim” Winter at Y Camp in the summer of 1954. Jim spotted Margaret from across the room as she played the piano and sang. Jim and Margaret were married September 11, 1954. Jim and Margaret lived in Johnston, IA for 57 years where they raised two daughters Kathy (Winter) Ritzler and Diane Winter Reidle. Jim and Margaret moved to the Iowa Veterans Home in 2011 and celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2014.
Margaret enjoyed singing throughout her life and delighted in entertaining others. She was honored to be a featured soloist for “Music Under the Stars,” on the steps of the Des Moines Capital. She made a career of singing in church choirs and performed many solos. Jim and Margaret were always active church members. The Winter family took several memorable camping trips to Minnesota, Colorado, Missouri…. Margaret was the navigator while Jim drove and maneuvered the pop-up trailer. Margaret was very proud of her daughters. Margaret’s faith was ever present and important. One of her most treasured accomplishments was becoming a Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church and preaching some. Margaret loved to write clever stories and was thrilled when they were published in the Johnston News or Des Moines Register. She was always up for a good joke and loved sharing her jokes, the cornier the better. In her last years, Margaret sang solos for chapel at IVH and played the piano for the residents and staff. She especially loved to sing, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and could hit all the notes until the end.
The family is extremely grateful for the exemplary care she received at the
Iowa Veterans Home, with a special shout out to Malloy 3 North. She was loved and cared for beyond belief.
The family would like to thank Suncrest Hospice and their loving, caring staff. Thank you for showering Margaret in love.
Margaret is survived by her daughters Kathy (Winter) Ritzler and husband John Ritzler of Des Moines, IA; Diane Winter Reidle and her husband Michael Reidle of Springfield, MO; grandson Nathan Riggle and wife Jo Anna; great granddaughter June Kay Riggle and great grandson Henry “Hank” Aaron Riggle.
She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Valborg Blunt;
grandson Joshua Riggle; brothers Gordon Blunt and Clarence Blunt and
sister Alice Hood.
Visitation will be at 10 am and Memorial Service at 11:00 am,
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church,
3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA.
All attendees are invited to join the family for lunch following the service.
Memorial Contribution: Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA, 515-255-2131, gracedesmoines.org
Memorial Service is under the direction of Merle Hay Funeral Chapel.
