Margaret Ann “Peggy” Wermerskirchen, 94

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Wermerskirchen, age 94, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at The Benedictine Living Community in Shakopee.  Peggy was born on July 8, 1930, in Spring Lake Township, Scott County, to Thomas Joseph and Margaret T. (Donnelly) Shea.  She graduated from Jordan High School in 1948 and went on to attain an associate degree from Mankato State College, though she wouldn’t find out that she actually completed her degree until her 80^th birthday when her sons surprised her with her degree!  She met a young man at a wedding dance in Credit River and it was almost love at first sight; she and Ernest Wermerskirchen were married on August 30, 1950, at St. Catherine Catholic Church.  They bought a farm in Watertown but when Ernie was called to military service during the Korean War, they auctioned off the farm and eventually moved to and settled in New Prague in 1955.

 Peggy’s life was dedicated to service of others.  She was a Cub Scout leader when her children were growing up and a tireless volunteer in her adult years.  Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and she was an active member of St. Wenceslaus, serving as a religion teacher, active member of the Council of Catholic Women, Eucharistic Minister, and lector.  Peggy was dedicated and involved in the Queen of Peace Hospital Auxiliary, serving as both past-president and vice-president, chairperson of Card-O-Rama and the White Elephant Sale, a hospital tour guide, and was chosen Auxilian of the Year in 2000.  Peggy was known as a tireless ambassador and volunteer at the Peace Center from 1998 until Covid hit, always smiling and giving of her time for an organization she loved.

 Peggy had a natural, outgoing, social nature.  She loved everything that had to do with people, starting a Bridge Club in 1956 that continued until Covid made it impossible to gather.  Playing cards with family and friends remained important throughout her life. Likewise, her Birthday Club was an important social gathering.  She learned ceramics and gifted her creations.  She loved baking, flower gardening, yardwork, babysitting grandchildren, and travelling with friends and family.  Fishing stood at the top of her interests.  Her love of fishing began as a child living on Carl’s Lake and as an adult, was the start of many a phone call wanting to know who caught fish and how many!  Peggy was a ray of sunshine everywhere she went.  Her proud Irish heritage came out with a ready smile, a twinkle in her eyes, a kind word for everyone, and a willingness to engage in conversation, regardless of where she was.  She left a huge legacy both in New Prague and in the family that she so loved.

 Peggy is survived by her sons, Duane of Shakopee, John (Barb) of Jordan, Daniel (Leah) of Savage; son-in-law, Jeff Simon of Maple Grove; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, on December 14, 1995; daughter, JoAnn Simon; siblings, James Shea, Verna Engfer Hammer, John Shea, Joseph Shea, Jr.

 Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  Visitation will take place at church from 9:30-11:00 a.m.  Burial will occur at St. Catherine Cemetery in rural Prior Lake followed by lunch at Ridges of Sand Creek.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: St. Catherine Cemetery Association (24425 Old Highway 13 Blvd., Jordan, MN 55352) or Peace Center Food Shelf (313 Columbus Ave. N., New Prague, MN 56071) . bruzekfuneralhome.com