Hugs, smiles and memories
Junkman reflects on four decades of teaching at St. Edmond
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Editor’s note: This feature first ran in a special publication called Hometown Pride, published June 27, 2026, featuring people and organizations from Fort Dodge and the surrounding area who are making a difference in their communities.
Margaret Junkman didn't initially plan on spending four-plus decades as the first teacher to nurture the minds of children in schools.
She actually intended to enter a different field entirely when she first enrolled at Iowa State University.
"Truthfully, I started college with a desire to go into journalism," Junkman said. "When I got to ISU, that major was not as appealing as I had hoped. So my advisor suggested I take an 'Intro to Ed' course.
"When I did that, I realized what my calling really was. I have come to realize that this is the profession God chose for me, and I am so thankful He did."
But did she ever envision spending the next 42 years in roughly the same position at the same school?
"Not really," Junkman said. "My original plan was to give back 12 years to the school system that gave me so much. However, after only one year, I knew I had found my home and my family at St. Edmond."
Junkman announced her retirement following the 2025-26 school year, ending an incredible career that saw her teach preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten -- all at St. Edmond Catholic School.
A Fort Dodge native and St. Edmond grad, Junkman was hired as a student teacher to work at HeadStart under the "great" Bonnie Calvert followed by a stint at Corpus Christi kindergarten with the "equally great" Lois Schreck.
"During this time, I was approached by Father Gerald Hartz and asked if I would be willing to start a preschool program for the Catholic schools," she said. "I excitedly -- and quite naively -- agreed to do it."
Because of a crunch in room space, Junkman's class was placed in the high school building. It would remain there until 2000, shifting into the new building two years later.
Junkman also served outside the classroom.
"During my time at St. Edmond I served on many committees for the school and with the parish," she said. "It has been very rewarding working toward common goals and meeting other people with like values. I would have to say of all the 'extracurricular' responsibilities I have had over the years, my favorite has to be greeting at the beginning of each day.
"I took that role very seriously, and I honestly loved it. I have acquired many silly hats, headbands and glasses that I would don each morning with a smile and a personal 'Hello' to make our Gaels -- both big and small -- feel welcomed and loved. That is one part of the day I will definitely miss during retirement."
She also wanted to help lay the foundation for a successful school day, year and future for the students.
"I feel that the first few years of school set the tone for all others," Junkman said. "If children feel loved, safe and valued, they want to come to school. I have always tried to make learning not only developmentally appropriate but fun, which makes preschoolers especially excited about learning and coming to school.
"I also feel that I have laid the foundation for their faith development, whether Catholic or not, through not only direct instruction but also through the way I live my life and model for them."
Junkman and her late husband, Rick, had two children who both went through the St. Edmond school system, much like she did with her six siblings.
During her teaching career, Junkman shared her enjoyment with both of her children: Haley, a 2012 St. Edmond graduate, and Cain, who graduated three years later.
"Having taught this long, I have learned that there is no greater honor than a student who grows up and is excited to enroll their own precious child in my class," she said.
Junkman plans to remain active in retirement, working with both the school and Holy Trinity Parish in volunteer roles.