Obituary

Peggy Ann Brown, 84, died Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center in Des Moines. A Celebration of Peggy’s Life will be held on Friday, December 5, at 11:00AM at Grandview Park Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Peggy was born June 20, 1941, in Modesto, California to Harry and Victoria (Prinzing) Buerer. A child of missionaries, Peggy lived in many states, as well as Africa and the Philippines. She graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio. She was a lifelong learner, taking numerous community college courses over the years and earning a Certificate in Church Music from Drake University while in her 60’s.

After staying home with her children when they were young, she worked several jobs in Clarinda, Iowa, before moving to Des Moines and retiring from the State of Iowa Department of Revenue after 21 years of service.

Peggy supported and volunteered for many charitable organizations. An avid gardener and hiker, she loved the outdoors and led many local Sierra Club hikes. She hiked all over the country as well as Switzerland and Germany. She climbed at least 26 mountain peaks, including several over 13,000 feet.

Music and the church were very important to her. She was the church organist at Unity Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Des Moines for many years.

Peggy was an accomplished oil painter and was active in local art organizations.

Peggy and her family wish to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful people at The Life Center for three years of loving care.

Survivors include her children: Allan M. Brown of Henderson, NV, Kathleen S. (Jason) Coy of Squires, MO, Laura L. (Paul) May of Norwalk, IA; Grandchildren: Trevor Wichman, David (Krystal) May, Eric May; Great-grandchildren: Jayce and Aiden; Siblings: Nancy (William) Jones, Jean Mangun, Marilyn Hartwell, Harry Buerer, Jr., James (Phyllis) Buerer.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and her ex-husband, Thomas Brown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sierra Club or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.


ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES GRANDVIEW PARK CHAPEL

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