Margaret "Maggie"

Flanscha

Margaret "Maggie" Flanscha, age 85, of McGregor, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Wellington Place in Decorah, Iowa.

Private burial will be held at a later date.

Margaret "Maggie" Lois Flanscha was born on March 15, 1941, the youngest of eight children of Bernard and Martha (Potratz) Flanscha. Born and baptized in Sumner, lowa, Maggie later moved with her family to Elmwood, Wisconsin, where she spent much of her childhood. After the family relocated once more, this time to Waterloo, Iowa. Maggie graduated from Orange High School in East Waterloo.

Maggie was united in marriage to Jerry Gibson on December 25, 1960. Four children were born to this union: Jane, John, Brian, and Martha.

Maggie began her career working in a dental office before transitioning to her role as a homemaker. During this time, she devoted herself to the work of which she was most proud: caring for her home and raising her children. Later in life, when she became a grandmother, she took on the beloved role of "Nan" to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Maggie's Christian faith was deeply meaningful to her. She served as a pianist and organist at church for several years, and she could often be found practicing for Sunday services on the piano in her home. Music brought Maggie great joy, which she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Patriotism was a core value for Maggie, who volunteered for many years with the Allamakee and Clayton County Republicans. Whether entering her Chevy truck as a float in a parade, flying various American flags at her home, or supporting the military, Maggie was a proud American.

Maggie had several interests for which she was well known. She loved all things beautiful, including antiques, jewelry, decorating her home and church, and tending to flowers. It was common to find Maggie watering or deadheading flowers and caring for her yard. On a good day, Maggie loved to jump in her car, turn up the music, and drive a little too fast while enjoying a cruise. If you were lucky, you got to see her squeal the tires as she pulled away.

Maggie is survived by three of her children, one sibling, 14 grandchildren, several great- grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, one daughter, one grandson, one great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews,

Psalm 23:4: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."