Margaret Sternitzke, 84, died peacefully at the Kavanagh Hospice House on July 23, 2008.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand, West Des Moines. Visitation will be at the church today, July 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Vigil Service. Burial will follow the funeral mass at 1:45 p.m. at North Lawn Cemetery, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Margaret was born on July 31, 1923 in Pomeroy, Iowa. She attended grade school at St. Mary's Parochial School in Pomeroy and graduated from Palmer High School. She received her teaching certificate from Iowa Normal School (UNI). She married Kenneth Sternitzke on June 7, 1946 and they made their home in Waterloo, IA for 45 years. They moved to West Des Moines in 1989 and she resided there for the past 19 years. Margaret was active in many activities including boating, golfing, and bridge. She also enjoyed winters in Arizona and Hilton Head, SC always spending time with friends and family.

Margaret is survived by son, Gary Sternitzke of Hilton Head, SC, daughters, Judy Bohrofen of Clive, IA and Jeanne King of West Des Moines, IA; brother, Ron Lang of Minnesota; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death is her husband of 53 years, Kenneth; parents, Martin and Emma O'Brien; sister, Marie McDonnell; and brother, Joe O'Brien.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be donated by the family to charities special to Margaret.