Margaret Kay (Schnittjer) Wright was born July 30, 1940 in Anamosa, Iowa, to Harry Theodore (Ted) Schnittjer, and Elizabeth (Betty) Aileen (Young) Schnittjer, where she joined two older brothers Richard Schnittjer and Gary Schnittjer, and later welcomed her little sister Connie Schnittjer Jorgensen. The family moved to Eagle Grove in 1944 where her parents operated The Club Cafe on Broadway. Margaret told many stories of growing up those early years in the apartment above the restaurant where Christ Furniture now stands. Her Mother’s devil’s food cake, which was served at the restaurant, was a staple of birthday celebrations throughout her life.
Margaret was an active member of the Eagle Grove United Methodist Church from the age of four. The church would hold an active and central role all of her life. In her early teenage years, she started to go by Maggie. She graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1958.
Maggie was joined in marriage to David (Dave) Richard Wright on November 15, 1958. Maggie was the love of his life for 53 years, and their partnership was the cornerstone of their family as they raised four children together. They lived in Eagle Grove, then in Muscatine, IA in 1966, and returned in 1975 to Eagle Grove, IA.
She supported her children in endless ways, such as keeping score at softball games, as Girl Scout leader in Muscatine, going to band and chorus concerts, attending football games and plays, and teaching Sunday school and confirmation classes. She continued to be their rock and biggest cheerleader throughout their adult lives, and could always be counted on for wise and steady advice.
Maggie loved to be active in the community. Maggie was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority both in Muscatine and Eagle Grove. For many years, she enjoyed visiting residents at EG Rotary Ann on Sunday afternoons sharing church bulletins and fellowship. Every fall Maggie looked forward to volunteering for 5th Quarter at the EG UMC, creating space for kids to gather in the basement for fellowship and grilled cheese sandwiches. She enjoyed singing in chorale, church choir, and joining the chorus of the Paddlewheel Players for summer productions. Nothing made Maggie happier than having her home filled with music. This included records on the stereo, her kids practicing their instruments, a band playing in the basement or often anyone breaking out in song. She loved to play the piano, sometimes in church, and often in the home, making the house ring out with her playing.
She went to work for Art DeYoung at Eagle Building Supply in 1980, and thrived in her years there, building her expertise and insight and sharing her knowledge with the community. She was a boon to many in this role, and her children often proudly referred to her as the “Lumber Lady”. There wasn’t a project or problem she was afraid to tackle. Maggie always stayed busy, and managed DeYoung Mini Storage for several years into her semi-retirement.
Maggie enjoyed sewing, wood-working, performing and listening to music, reading, Bible studies, and taking care of her home and family. (She would tell you she loved to scoop snow!)
Most of all, she loved time with family. She never stopped teaching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After moving to North Carolina in 2023, she had many opportunities to read stories to her great-grandchildren, and share her love with another generation. Her family and friends treasured her huge heart, wise counsel, and especially the way she always led by example. Kindness reigned at the heart of her every decision.
Margaret passed away March 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dave, her brother Richard, and her beloved nephew Ted Jorgensen.
Margaret is survived by her children: Sue (Nelson) Tripp of Candler, NC; Duane (Jonita) Wright of Savannah, GA; Paul (Keri) Wright of San Rafael, CA, and Amy Wright of Arden, NC, as well as her grandchildren Christopher Pohlman (Joscelyn Wilson), Nathan (Ashlyn) Tripp, Eric Pohlman, Matt Pohlman, Rilley (Chance) Markle, Simon Wright, and Logan Wright, and great-grandchildren Grant and Oaklyn Tripp as well as lots of cousins and close friends in her extended family.
Maggie’s warmth, humor, and steadfast faith touched all who knew her. She could be counted on for advice, a hug, a laugh, and a helping hand. Many friends of her children considered her a bonus “Mom”, and she was beloved by countless people who knew her through her family, her work, and her church. Maggie’s shining love, her fierce pride in her family, and her grace in all circumstances will live forever in the memory and hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.
MEMORIAL VISITATION
Friday, May 9, 2025
3:00pm – 7:00pm
Eagle Grove United Methodist Church
MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday, May 10, 2025
12:00pm Noon (Luncheon at church after service)
Eagle Grove United Methodist Church
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Point of contact address:
Sue Tripp
129 Oak Hill Rd
Candler NC 28715
