Marjorie Mae “Muggy” McGrann-Pfannebecker, age 81, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Marge was born on October 1, 1945, in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of John William and Helen Mae (Poli) McGrann. She grew up in the Centerville area and graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1963.
Before finding the love of her life, Marge had been previously married to Robert Bratz and Nick Carter. It was with Derrill Pfannebecker, however, that she found her lifelong companion and the love of her life. The two were united in marriage on June 24, 1989, at Cincinnati Community Church, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 37 wonderful years filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.
Marge was a hardworking woman who was never afraid to try something new. Over the years, she worked at Union Carbide, McGraw-Edison, Moulton-Udell School as a health aide, and the Centerville Greenhouse. She also followed her entrepreneurial spirit by opening her own business, Craft Class and More, on the Centerville Square, which she owned and operated for eleven years. In 1996, she took on another adventure, earning her commercial driver’s license and joining Derrill as a team driver in the trucking industry. Together, they traveled the highways, hauling freight through 48 states and sharing countless miles and memories along the way. Eventually, Marge retired from life on the road.
Outside of work, Marge found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. In her younger years, she enjoyed crafting, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. She especially loved warmer days spent planting and tending to her gardens while watching the grandkids fish in the pond. She also had a special love for Christmas. Decorating her home and yard, making homemade goodies and candies, and welcoming family into her home were among her favorite traditions. She loved making the holidays special and bringing everyone together, filling her home with the warmth, laughter, and love that meant so much to her. Whether gathered around the table, enjoying time outdoors, or simply visiting with family and friends, Marge treasured the moments spent with those she loved.
Marge was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Centerville, where she maintained a special connection throughout the years.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Derrill Pfannebecker of Centerville; her sons, Ronald (Candi) Bratz, Joshua (Kimberly) Pfannebecker, Brian Pfannebecker, and Jeremy Pfannebecker; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Rose McGrann; multiple nieces and nephews; and special family members, Lori McAllister and Alyssa Hawkins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, John McGrann, William “Billy Bob” McGrann, Judy McGrann, Wilma “Bum” McGrann, Max McGrann, Nelma McGrann, and her baby sister, Patty Lee.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM, Friday, November 13, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Mystic. Visitation will take place Thursday, November 12, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 5:00-7:00PM. Memorials have been established to Derrill Pfannebecker, to be designated at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Pfannebecker Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
