Peggy J. Lucas

Peggy J. Lucas, 92, of Nora Springs, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m., at United Methodist Church, 202 N Hawkeye Ave, Nora Springs, with Pastor Lumiere Kapend officiating. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service, with a luncheon to follow. 

Peggy was born December 15, 1933, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Jack and Katie (Hinkel) Phelan. She grew up in Mason City and attended Harding Elementary and Monroe Junior High before graduating from Mason City High School in 1952. She attended Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) for two years where she received an Associate’s Degree in Education. Peggy later completed her B.A. Degree at UNI in 1976.

Shortly after college, Peggy met Bernie Lucas at a local dance, and they married on December 26, 1954. Together they were blessed with three children: Randy, Timothy, and Deborah. Peggy and Bernie shared 70 loving years of marriage.

After the boys were born Peggy began teaching 4th grade in the Nora Springs/Rock Falls School District where she taught for 37 years, retiring in 1995. After retirement Peggy and Bernie enjoyed many happy winters in Arizona with fellow Iowa snowbirds. Peggy greatly enjoyed running into her many former pupils and learning about their current endeavors. Her tenure at NSRF schools was long enough that “Mrs. Lucas” often taught the children of past students and she even had her own children and one grandchild in her classes. Peggy was well known for her culinary skills, with her apple pies, monster cookies, and chocolate cakes being among her family’s favorites. Liver and onions were a staple meal in the Lucas household, although the kids were less impressed with that dish. Above all else, Peggy cherished her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor, who will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Peggy is survived by her children, Randy (Susan) and Tim (Betty); her grandchildren, Matt (Cortne), Becky (Greg), Jennifer (Nick), Erin (Nate), Brittanie (Blake), Abby (Jon), and Tom; 11 great grandchildren, a brother-in-law, Carl (Darlene) and a sister-in-law, Letha.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Katie; her husband, Bernie; her daughter, Deborah; her brothers, Dick and Don; and a great grandchild, Aubre.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to be directed to the Humane Society of North Iowa.