Peggy Ann Cassens
June 5, 1942 – March 25, 2026
Peggy Cassens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, in Sigourney, Iowa at the age of 83. Born in Iowa City, Iowa to Victor and Lucy Hesseltine, and having been raised in Wayland, Iowa, Peggy lived a full and rewarding life that left an indelible mark on everyone she loved.
Peggy graduated from high school in 1960. She met Lee W. Cassens of Sigourney, Iowa, whom she married on August 23, 1963. After their wedding, they made a home together on their family farm in Sigourney and had three beautiful children, Bret, Damon, and Molly. Peggy’s tireless ability to care for others made her a wonderful mother and grandmother. It also made her a particularly valued nurse at the Iowa City VA Hospital, where she worked for many years. She was lovely inside and out. Calm and steady, she was the foundation of the home.
Peggy was a long-time parishioner of Sigourney United Methodist Church, where she served in various capacities throughout her life. She enjoyed gardening, boating, reading, an occasional late-night snack, and most importantly to her, spending time with her five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She treasured her time with them and even their friends who thought of her as their grandmother, too. Peggy made the world a better place. Her spirit lives on in the lives of those she loved, and all of those who loved her.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lee in 2005, brothers Thomas Hesseltine, Joe Hesseltine, Harry Hesseltine, and sister Mary Hooley.
She is survived by her children Bret Cassens of Sigourney, Damon Cassens (wife Carleigh Fite) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Molly Cassens of Fairfield, her five grandchildren, Jacob Cassens (wife Tarrah) of South Amana, Jessie Firkins (husband Michael) of Nevada, Iowa, Chloe Cassens of Wageningen, Netherlands, Brooklynn Cassens of North Liberty, Kobe Cassens-Navesse of North Liberty, her sisters Jerry Sanchez (husband Bruce) of Rockport, Texas, Sarah Piper of Des Moines, great-grandson Milo Cassens of South Amana, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family held a private service at the Sigourney United Methodist Church on March 27, 2026.
