Margaret Z. Kubicek

MARGARET Z. KUBICEK

Cedar Rapids

Margaret Elizabeth Zimmerman was born April 30, 1919, in Bellevue, Neb., to Emery and Helen (Fletcher) Zimmerman. She died April 21, 2016, at Cottage Grove Place just two weeks before her 97th birthday.

She graduated from Vail (Iowa) High School in 1937 and Coe College in 1941. She majored in home economics, receiving a teaching certificate. She worked her way through college as her father was a Presbyterian minister in rural Iowa and four siblings were attending Coe about the same time.

She married Theodore (Ted) Kubicek on June 20, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This June would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.

While her husband was in law school, Margaret worked in the main library at the University of Iowa. Later Margaret took college courses to update her teaching certificate and renewed her interest in library work. She became a substitute home economics teacher and library/media center substitute at Washington and Kennedy high schools.

Margaret's faith was unfaltering, and she lived a life of high moral standards, setting an example for all who knew her.

She was involved in First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids, organizing the archives and library, and taught Sunday school for many years.

Margaret had many friends from her golfing and bridge days, neighborhoods, church, Alpha Xi Delta sorority and from her volunteer work at various non-profit organizations in Cedar Rapids.

As a gifted seamstress and perfectionist, Margaret enjoyed many artistic endeavors creating dolls and braided rugs, painting with oil and watercolors, and making photo scrapbooks for her six grandchildren. She was a gifted creator of free verse poetry, which her children published for the family members. Margaret worked for years on the Fletcher/Zimmerman genealogy.

Margaret (Muggs, as her husband fondly called her) was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings (and their spouses), daughters-in-law, Becky and Connie, and son-in-law, Dick Damrow.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Ted; daughter, Mary Jen Bear; sons, David and John Kubicek; six grandchildren (Erik and Rhet Bear, Jim and Mandy Kubicek, Brian and Lisa Kubicek) and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

She was truly a courageous woman as she survived many serious surgeries, including five hip replacements and esophageal cancer surgery.

She was a sweet woman with a strong will, great sense of humor and immense love for her family.

The family wishes to thank Cottage Grove staff for their loving care.

Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, Coe College Library, Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.

There will be a private family service at a later date.