Margaret “Peg” McKay, 78, of Fort Atkinson, went home to be with her Lord on January 11, 2024. She passed away at her home in Fort Atkinson.
Peg was born in Sheboygan, WI, on January 15, 1945 to Norma (Damrow) Shoup and Charles Shoup. In 1964, she graduated from Sheboygan North High School. After graduation, she attended the Dental Assistant program at Marquette University, and afterward was a dental assistant for Dr. Fred Marler of Rockford. Later, she was manager of The Thoughtfulness Shop in Woodstock. Then she spent many years as a machinist at Precision Twist Drill of Crystal Lake.
On April 28, 1968, Peg married Thomas (Tom) McKay of Cary, IL. The couple purchased a home in Woodstock, IL, and began their life together.
Peg met Tom at a convention one evening when she was moonlighting as the “Hat Check Gal” at a hotel in Rockford. Tom, a well-known magician in the area, was the entertainment. As luck would have it, he checked his hat! Later, when Tom went back to ask Peg for the hat, he also asked her if she would go on a date with him. She said yes. The couple “dated” for 45 years until Tom passed away in 2009.
Six years later, in order to live closer to her sister Sandi, Peg moved to Fort Atkinson and began a new life there. The two were so pleased when Peg was able to rent an apartment right next door to Sandi’s. Over the years, the two sisters often talked about living together when they were old.
A woman of great faith, Peg had a beautiful heart and a giving spirit. Earlier in their marriage, Peg and Tom welcomed a foster son, Ted Erickson. They considered Ted’s son, Catlyn, a grandson. For many years, Barbara McDannell also has been a member of the McKay family.
Peg and her siblings grew up in foster homes. Peg’s most influential and loving foster parents were Edna and Marvin Claus. Until her death, Peg kept in close touch with her “foster siblings” Bonnie (Dan) Felten and Bob (Nancy) Claus. Thanks to the generosity of the Clauses, Tom and Peg chose to “pass it on.”
Peg and Tom loved their church and for many years were members of the Christ Life Congregation. They were active and involved in a number of Christian endeavors there.
Along with many treasured relatives and friends, Peg is survived by sisters Sandra (Sandi) Bernhardt, Fort Atkinson; Jeanice Kelly, Baltimore; and brothers Bill and John Arnst, both of Sheboygan.
Peg’s nieces and nephews include Steve Bernhardt, Saratoga Springs, UT ; Mark (MJ) Bernhardt, Fort Atkinson, WI; Lee (Laura Senft) Bernhardt, Seattle, WA; Russell and Preston Shoup, both of Sheboygan, WI; Susan (Bobby) Hawke, Two Rivers, WI; Joy (Marvin) Hall, Joppa, MD; Jim, Russell and Jay Kelly, all of Baltimore, MD; Sadie (John) Menn, Glenbeulah, WI; Sheena (Adam) Bensman, Pinewood Springs, CO.
Also, Peg is survived by sister-in-law Ann Shoup, Plymouth, and aunt, Doris Zallar of Sheboygan.
Peg was preceded in death by her parents; husband Tom McKay; foster parents Edna and Marv Claus; foster brother David Claus; brothers-in-law Ralph Bernhardt, JB Kelly, James Shoup and her niece Deberah Shoup.
A private burial was held on January 16 at McHenry County Memorial Park.
Pastor Ed Schoolcraft will lead a celebration of Peg’s life at 11 AM, Tuesday, January 30, at Christ Life Church, 13614 W. Jackson St. in Woodstock, IL.
Memorials may be directed to Christ Life Church in Woodstock, IL.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret “Peg” McKay, please visit our floral store.
Schneider, Leucht Merwin and Cooney Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Margaret “Peg” McKay
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