Peggy Jean (Kassel) McDonald, age 76, of Jefferson, IA, and formerly of Scranton, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at her home in Jefferson surrounded by family.
A public visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton from 2 – 5 P.M. on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
A private graveside service will be held at the Scranton Township Cemetery on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Peggy requested no flowers or monetary gifts be given in her name. Instead, those who wish may make a contribution to their favorite charity or do a random act of kindness.
Peggy was born on June 29, 1950 in Emmetsburg, IA. She grew up on a farm near Ayrshire, IA. It was here that she learned a work ethic she carried throughout her life. Peggy graduated from Ayrshire High School in 1968 where she played on the girls’ basketball team. She attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake where she played on the first women’s basketball team graduating in 1971. Peggy started her teaching career in Glidden which included starting their girls’ basketball program. After 36 years of teaching K-12 physical education and coaching for many years, she retired from teaching, spending all her teaching years in Glidden. In 1985, Peggy was married to Jim McDonald and they lived on the family farm west of Scranton. Peggy gained two daughters with this marriage, Erin and Jamie. In 1987, Anthony was born and completed the family. Jim and Peggy farmed their entire married life, where Peggy thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the farm. Family and friends were very important to Peg. They enjoyed her delicious meals, with her pumpkin bars being one of their favorites. She loved attending cousin’s reunions and class reunions most recently in 2025. She was an active member of the Scranton United Methodist Church.
Peggy is survived by her husband Jim McDonald; her children: Erin Gross (Steve), Jamie Thomson (Josh), and Anthony McDonald; five grandchildren: Conor, Emma, Dylan, Grey, and Reid; two sisters: Linda Heiman (Denny) and Susan Guge (Roger); a sister-in-law Sue Johnson (Don); three nieces: Sara, Paige, and Alyssa; four nephews: Cory, Matt, Josh, and Zach.