Margaret Mary Kientzy, 98, of Silex, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at the Elsberry Health Care Center in Elsberry, Mo. surrounded by her family.
 A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan 13, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Millwood, with Fr. Charles Tichacek officiating. Burial was held in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Visitation was held from 8:30 10:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, before mass.
 Margaret’s life was of devotion, hard work and love. Margaret was born Nov. 24, 1926, in New Haven, Mo., to Alfred and Louise Daley Lagemann. She began her education in the small town of Detmold, Mo. When her family relocated to Elsberry, she chose to stay behind and complete two years of high school before joining them.
 In Elsberry, Margaret started her adult life working in a local glove factory. Her life changed forever on June 14, 1947, when she married the love of her life, Edwin (Ed) George Kientzy, in Louisiana, Mo. Together, they built a beautiful life and family on their farm in Silex, Mo., where Margaret dedicated herself to raising their children and helping with the daily demands of farm life.
 A devout member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the Scopic Club, Margaret’s faith and community were central to her life. Her passions extended to gardening, canning, cooking, and reading. Known for her culinary talents, guests were treated to her legendary doughnuts, cream puffs, and American Beauty cakes. During their early years of marriage Margaret and Ed enjoyed Millwood dances. As they grew older, they relished time with friends at card parties.
 After losing Ed in 2004, Margaret embraced new adventures, traveling near and far with her children on cruises and exploring states from Florida to Texas, and Nevada to California. Although she cherished these journeys, her greatest joy always came from being surrounded by her family. She delighted in their visits, filling her home with love, laughter, and the aroma of home-cooked meals.
 Margaret’s legacy is one of kindness, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved. Her life reminds us that even the simplest tasks and smallest moments can bring immense joy and leave a lasting impact.
 Survivors include children, James Edwin Kientzy (Barbara) of Chesterfield, Donald Wayne Kientzy of Morgan Hill, Calif., Ronald Eugene Kientzy (Fran) of Troy, Robert Joseph Kientzy (Haruko Bresnahan) of Troy, Eugene George Kientzy (Marianne) of Ft. Worth, Texas, Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Zuroweste (Dale) of Truxton, and Patrick James Kientzy (Andrea) of Silex; grandchildren Erik Kientzy (Julia), Kari Kientzy (Richard Thorn), Kourtney Acutt (Brendon), Angela Kientzy (Randy Lester), Matthew Kientzy (Adriane), David Kientzy (Jill), Kathryn Russell (Michael), Robert Zuroweste (Ellie), Amy Stumpe (Austin), Jane Zuroweste, Nick Kientzy (Emily Selby), Nathan Kientzy, and Ethan Kientzy; 15 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brother Phillip Lagemann of Eolia; many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
 Her parents, husband, and 10 siblings: Kathryn Scherrer, Dorothy Singleton, Nick Lagemann, Edward Lagemann, John Lagemann, Joe Lagemann, Bibi Killebrew, Vincent Lagemann, Jerry Lagemann and Wayne Lagemann, died earlier.
 Serving as pallbearers were Ronald Kientzy, Robert Kientzy, Pat Kientzy, Erik Kientzy, David Kientzy, and Rob Zuroweste. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Nick Kientzy, Nathan Kientzy, and Ethan Kientzy.
 Memorials may be made to St. Alphonsus Cemetery or Elsberry Health Care Center.
 Online condolences may be left at www.bibbveach.com