Michele Ann Zegers, 66, of Grinnell, peacefully passed away with family by her side at UnityPoint – Grinnell Regional Medical Center on Mar. 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Mar. 6, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Family will greet friends during a visitation 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 5, at the funeral home. A private graveside service will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery. A memorial designation will be established soon.
Apr. 4, 1959, at 5:29 p.m., in Madison, WI, a beautiful little girl was born to Clark and Molly (Crabb) Crawford. Growing up in a military family, her early years were spent exploring and living in many places across the United States and abroad before her family made their home in Grinnell. She graduated from Grinnell High School and remained deeply connected to the community throughout her life.
Michele experienced one of her greatest joys in becoming a mother on Mar. 8, 1982, when she and her former spouse, Steve Bruggeman, welcomed their treasured son, Scott. Years later, Michele found love again and was united in marriage to Brad Zegers in St. Lucia on July 31, 2008. This began a beautiful chapter of adventures and shared memories. She lovingly embraced Brad’s children, Bailey and Baker, as her own, and cherished her role in their lives. She was then blessed with six grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Maga." They were the light of her life, and she took great pride in attending their activities and celebrating their accomplishments.
Michele found great joy in nature and traveling with Brad. They enjoyed chasing the fall colors on several trips to Door County in Wisconsin, Northeast Iowa, and most recently, Bar Harbor, Maine. They treasured the sunshine in visiting Palm Springs, CA, and touring several national parks in Utah and Arizona. Cherished memories of time spent together include trips to the zoo, Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, and frequent family dinners. She also loved gathering with many special friends and work colleagues.
Michele dedicated her nearly 40-year career to the physical therapy department at UnityPoint – Grinnell Regional Medical Center, where she served most recently as a financial advocate. She was known for her kindness, strong work ethic, and genuine desire to help others.
A devoted member of the Grinnell community, Michele volunteered at many GRMC events, attended local live music, and participated in volleyball, softball, and bowling. She found joy in the simple pleasures of home, especially seasonal decorating and crafts. She had a special love for photography, capturing memories from her travels, the beauty of flowers, hummingbirds, and autumn leaves, and, most of all, pictures of her beloved family.
Michele will be remembered for her compassionate and generous heart, her humor and positive attitude, her sincerity and resilience, and her deep love for family and friends. She was the kind of wife, mother, daughter, sister, “Maga,” and friend that everyone hopes to have in their lives.
Michele was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Stephanie Coe, and her brother Neil Crawford.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Brad Zegers; her son Scott (Alissa) Bruggeman; and her stepchildren Bailey (Ryan) Schrimper and Baker (Katelyn) Zegers. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Kyla and Hollis Bruggeman, Ava and Owen Schrimper, and Brecken and Braden Zegers. Also remaining to honor her memory are her brothers Russ (Brenda) Crawford and Pete (Vicky) Crawford, special father figure Bill Wilson, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
