Margaret E. “Peggy” Kremmel, a tax accountant in the tax department, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007, at her home in Columbia, Ill., of heart failure. She was 49.
Born Dec. 13, 1957, in East St. Louis, Ill., Kremmel graduated from Dupo (Ill.) Community High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1979.
She worked as a master tax adviser for H&R Block since 1986 and in May 2006, concurrently joined the tax department of the University.
“Peggy Kremmel was a fine asset to the tax department and an integral part of our team,” said Pat Stern, senior tax accountant. “She willingly assisted me with many duties when I was faced with tight deadlines. She was a very friendly person who I enjoyed working with.”
“It is like Peggy walked in and fit right into the position as if it was made for her,” said Sandra Goodwin, WUSTL’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit and tax manager. “She carved out a position for herself in the department and in our hearts. Peggy was always upbeat and ready to help out in any way she could. We miss her, not just for the help she provided but for the wonderful person she was.”
Kremmel was an enrolled agent with the IRS, and she was a member of the Columbia Music Boosters, a group that raised funds in support of the Columbia High School band.
“All four of her children came through our music program,” said Columbia High School Band Director Craig Ryterski. “They provided us with a lot of good years of quality students and musicians. She was a good mom; a mom you could talk to and count on to lend a helping hand. She was a good person.”
She is survived by her husband, Terry, and children Andrew, 19; Melanie, 17; Scott, 15; and Duncan, 12.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 117 East Madison St., Columbia, Ill., 62236.
— Andy Clendennen