Peggy A. Lilgreen, age 80, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Friday, August 23, 2024, surrounded by her family, at home.

Peggy was born February 2, 1944, in Brained, Minnesota, the daughter of Esther (Nivala) Austin. Peggy grew up in the Grand Rapids area, and attended Greenway High School in Coleraine, Minnesota.  Peggy and Alfred Lilgreen were married August 27, 1960. Together they designed and built their home in Grand Rapids where they raised their family and resided since 1972.

Once her children began school, Peggy enrolled at Itasca Community College where she studied nursing and earned her LPN degree.  She worked at Itasca Memorial Hospital and Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, retiring after many years of service.  She returned to work for one summer as an LPN at Leisure Hills Nursing Home in Grand Rapids.  In her retirement Peggy enjoyed knitting, crocheting, hand crafts, and gardening.  She was known to love ironing, and her grandchildren thought her pancakes were the best!  Peggy was the epitome of "Minnesota Nice".  For many years Peggy and Alfred enjoyed winters in Harlingen, Texas where Peggy was the consummate hostess and cook for many of their community events. Peggy was a faithful member of Grace Bible Church in Grand Rapids for over 40 years.

Peggy is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Alfred; brother Dennis Austin; grandson Jordan Lilgreen; and two great grandchildren.  She is survived by her daughters, Doreen Lilgreen of Estherville, IA, Darlene (Pat) Peters of Grand Rapids, MN; son, Steven (Laura) Lilgreen of Woodland Park, CO; sister, Roxy Valtinson of Coon Rapids, MN; eight grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Harris Cemetery, Harris Township, Itasca County.