Gladys Bredemeier

Gladys “Peggy” Bredemeier, 93, of Staples, MN passed away Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples, MN. Services for Peggy will be at 2:00PM, Friday, April 7th at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples with Pastor Saul Stensvaag officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, MN.

Peggy was born April 17, 1923 to Charles and Martha (Woock) Hildebrand in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. As a young adult, she lived out her passion for history by serving as a docent at the Villa Louis, a national Historical Landmark in Prairie du Chien. Following her graduation from Prairie du Chien High School, she was employed as an executive assistant to the CEO at Prudential Securities in Chicago, Illinois. Peggy was united in marriage to Virgil “Brad” Bredemeier on December 20, 1947 and worked as the office manager at his optometric practice in Staples.

Peggy was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, where she participated in women’s groups, taught Sunday School and confirmation classes, and served as the Sunday School Superintendent. She helped with the parish library, and wrote the church history for the celebration of its 100th anniversary. Peggy served in leadership positions as a board member for Luther Crest Bible Camp and as Worthy Matron for Eastern Star. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, and served Meals on Wheels with her husband. She enjoyed playing golf, Bridge, reading and traveling. Family was important to Peggy. She was dedicated to her children and grandchildren, and supported and encouraged them in a variety of ways.

Peggy is survived by her daughters, Brenda (David Light Shields) Light Bredemeier of St. Louis, MO, Julie (Ryan) Jagim of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Micah Light Shields and Maya Light Bredemeier, Andrew (Amanda) Burns, Alex (Jeannie) Burns, Andrew (Vanessa) Jagim, Ben Jagim, Eric (Katrina) Jagim; and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Martha; husband, Virgil “Brad” Bredemeier; sister, Irene Ertle and brother in law, Orvis Ertle. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.