Peggy L. Pedersen, age 83, of Anthon, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Medical Center of Sioux City, Iowa.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Anthon, Iowa. Father Michael Erpelding will officiate. Committal services will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Anthon, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by the McNiff Post No. 389 of the American Legion of Anthon, Iowa.
A Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Rosary at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Anthon, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Peggy Pedersen was born on June 2, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Bert and Luella Heinse. She graduated from Danbury Public School in 1960. Upon graduation, Peggy proudly enlisted in the United States Army, often joking that she was “the only Danbury Corn Days Queen to enlist in the military.”
Peggy was united in marriage to Larry Pedersen, and to this union a son, Jesse, was born. Following Larry’s passing, Peggy shared many years with Max Dunnington. Together they welcomed a son, Justin. Peggy and Max remained lifelong friends, and Max continued to be a cherished presence at family gatherings.
After completing her two-year commitment in the Army, Peggy held a variety of jobs throughout her life. Of all her titles, she was especially proud to be a thoroughbred racehorse trainer. She found great success traveling the Nebraska racing circuit, which sparked her family’s enduring love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Peggy also worked as a skilled farmhand for many local farmers while balancing multiple side jobs. She fondly carried the title of “Plant Lady” at MCI, where she showed off her green thumb. Peggy will be especially remembered for her years at Menards, where she continued working part-time until just a few months ago. There, she gained many special coworkers who became like family. She delighted in spoiling them with her baked goods and keeping them in line with her feisty personality.
Peggy had a deep love of gardening and generously gave away hundreds of jars of canned goods over the years. She passed that passion on to her son, Jesse, and the two spent countless hours comparing gardens and debating which peppers made the best salsa. An accomplished cook and baker, Peggy found great joy in blessing others with her homemade treats and farm-fresh eggs.
Peggy was a proud member of the McNiff Post No. 389 of the American Legion and St. Joseph Catholic Church of Anthon, Iowa.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jesse (Tara) Pedersen and Justin Dunnington, all of Lawton, Iowa; grandchildren: Cade, Kyle, and Jake Pedersen; Collin, Jersey, and Keigan Dunnington; special friend Max Dunnington of Pierson, Iowa; nephew Kirk Heinse of Moville; along with extended family and a host of dear friends.
Peggy was welcomed into her heavenly home by her parents, Bert and Luella Heinse; her brother Keith Heinse; her husband Larry Pedersen; two infant sons; and her nephew Mike Heinse.
Peggy’s legacy of hard work, generosity, faith, and fierce love for her family will be treasured by all who knew her.
Previous Events
Wake
8
Mar
400 East Randolph Street
Anthon, IA 51004
4:45 p.m. Rosary
Mass of Christian Burial
9
Mar
400 East Randolph Street
Anthon, IA 51004
