Rev. Margaret M. Hutchens

Rev. Margaret M. Hutchens, 65, of Mason City, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Manly Specialty Care Center.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026.

Margaret was born on October 23, 1959 in Boone, Iowa to Franklin and Donna (Freel) Hutchens. She grew up in Mason City and lived there most of her adult life.

Margaret attended North Iowa Area Community College, and completed a Bachelor's degree at the University of Iowa, majoring in German. A few years after graduating, she recognized her calling to the ministry and attended Pacific School of Religion in Berkely, California, where she received a Masters of Divinity and Masters in Theology. She was formally ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served many years as the pastor of the First Christian Church in Charles City, Iowa. Margaret also had a long career at Walmart working overnights, where she met many colorful characters and got on a first name basis with many officers of the Mason City Police Department.

After the Charles City church closed and she retired from Walmart, Margaret pursued her many other interests such as writing, community theater, stand-up comedy, and film making. She also served as the speech and debate coach at Central Springs High School in Manly, Iowa until the program was terminated due to lack of funding. Margaret then served as the pastor of First Congregational Church of Mason City until her death.

Margaret is survived by her mother, Donna Hutchens; her sister, Marilyn Wulfekuhler of Lansing, Michigan; and her brother, Carl Hutchens of Mason City.