Margaret Hunziker, age 98, of Green Hills Retirement Community of Ames, peacefully passed away Sunday, November 19, 2017. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4-6:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 29, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave. In Ames. A funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, November 30, 2017, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. Burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery following the service.
Margaret was born August 29, 1919 in Belle Plaine, Iowa the daughter of Edward and Nina Beryl (Stake) Swatosh. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School and enrolled at Iowa State University in Institutional Management. Margaret (Marge) was a homemaker and lived in Ames since 1940. She married Erben Hunziker on November 29, 1941. Together they owned and operated a restaurant for ten years but more importantly they provided a loving home for their six sons.
Marge believed that we must discover ourselves, develop our own talent, and strive to become the best we can at whatever we do. One of her talents she especially enjoyed was painting. Marge also enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends, relaxing at Clear Lake, golfing, dancing, and attending church, ISU sports, and social events. Marge delighted in spending time with her large family. She will be lovingly remembered.
Margaret was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, Chapter HN of PEO, Beta Tau Delta, Cynthia O. Duff Questors, Ames Brush Club, Home Builders Auxiliary, Endowment Committee at the Octagon Center, Ames Public Art Commission, Beloit Advisory Council, and Ames Golf and Country Club.
Margaret is survived by four sons. Dean (Darlene) Hunziker, Robert (Jane) Hunziker, Steve (Susan) Hunziker and Jon (Bonnie) Hunziker, and daughter in-law, Chris Hunziker; grandchildren: Tim (Cathy) Hunziker, Jeff (Tracy) Hunziker, Dan (Ali) Hunziker, Michelle (Nathan) Bilyeu, Joni (Brian) Tickle, Sherie (Jeff) Paulsen, Shaela Hunziker, Megan (Joe) Mulvihill, Andy (Kelsey) Hunziker, Sam (Hilary) Hunziker, Will Hunziker and Anna (Kevin) Hunziker- Harshman, and Jack Hunziker, 18, Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Erben Hunziker, sons, Dave and Gary Hunziker, and a brother, Robert Swatosh.
Margaret and Erben have been significant philanthropists to the Ames and Iowa State University communities including gifting for the Margaret Hunziker Garden House at Reiman Gardens, DMACC Hunziker Complex, Hunziker Sports Complex, Auditorium in the Ralph Olsen Building, Ames High School Football Field, and many more projects around the Ames and Iowa State University.
Memorials may be directed to: Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames or Bethesda Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, our dear Marge! We always had so much fun growing up with all the Hunziker family! She was such a kind, loving,caring lady and positive about everything. I have so many fond memories of days spent at Clear Lake and family get-togethers. She always was laughing and never without a smile. I am so thankful she was a part of my life and she will always be remember with love! Thinking of you all and sending our deepest sympathy to you and yours! Marlene (Daley) Dan Quillen
Dear Dean, Bob, Steve, John and families - your California family (Aunt Britta, cousins Sharon, Stuart, Shawn and families) are sending our heartfelt condolences. We loved our Aunt Marge dearly...our only Auntie, little sister to our beloved Dad (Robert "Bob"). We remember her good heart, her wonderful sense of humor - with that great laugh! - her interest in everyone, her kindness, her love of family. We will miss her. To you, dear cousins, may we add to the love and sympathy surrounding you through your loss. May you find comfort and healing. We are with you in spirit.
love, Sharon (for all)
As a young teen, Marge was truly like a second mom to me! As I approached High School graduation, she asked me what gift I would like. I told her I wanted to get my ears pierced like all my friends, but my Dad would not let me, because he thought that was what hippies did! So after school one day, Marge picked me up and took me to McFarland Clinic, had a doctor pierce my ears and gave me gold ball earrings as my gift! I was soooo happy and felt so "chic"! Marge said, "If you have any trouble with your Dad, trell him to call me!" Dad never said a word of objection. LOL. A few years later Marge and Dort Lowman would hold the moist wonderful wedding shower for me. She was so good to me, & Yes, I truly loved her and Erb. I miss them, but love never dies. Love is eternal..... Our sincere sympathy to the Hunziker family, Dee Ann (Daley) & John Weiss
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I personally know the loss of a loved one, and the pain can seem overwhelming. However I found comfort in the Bible's promise for the future. Acts 24:15 speaks of a resurrection, a time when God will reunite us with our loved ones again! I hope this helps bring some comfort in this time of sorrow.
Visitation
Ames, Iowa 50010
Service
Ames, Iowa 50010
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