Peggy Jean Mehlhoff

Peggy Jean Mehlhoff, 82, Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away Saturday, January 12, 2019, at St Vincent's Care Center, Bismarck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 18, 2019, at Church of The Ascension, Bismarck, with Fr. John Paul Gardner officiating. Visitation is scheduled for 5-7:00 PM, with a Rosary/Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 17, 2019, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Taylor Lutheran Cemetery, Taylor, North Dakota.

Peggy was born September 2, 1936, to Clifford and Mary (Freisz) Davis on the family farm south of Taylor, ND. They also resided in Richardton, Gladstone, and Underwood. Peggy married Blaine Meier on June 8, 1953 and raised 11 children in Coleharbor and Riverdale. Peggy married Harvey Mehlhoff on October 21, 1977, in Dickinson. In 2011 Peggy moved to Bismarck.

When Peggy was eight years old, she fell off her bike and skinned her shin which resulted in osteomyelitis-bone infection. Penicillin had just become available, and without it she may have lost her leg or died. She was bedridden for six months and the doctor came to the house daily to dress the wound. The doctor told her she should never have children, she should never roller skate, and she should never dance. She proved him wrong; she had 11 children, roller skated every Friday night as a teenager, and she was the Polka Queen!

Peggy was first and foremost a devoted mother who loved and cared for her 11 children. The pride she had for them was evident when she told others of her large family of seven boys and four girls. She wanted everyone to be happy and get along and loved the "noise" of family as they gathered at her home. She was a great cook and was especially proud of her delicious borscht soup, kuchen, and various kinds of jelly. There was always dessert! She liked the outdoors, camping, walking on the beach, and going back home' to her family farm to relive childhood memories. She enjoyed reading, dancing, yardwork, and cooking. She always looked her best because of her interest in hair, make-up, clothes, and jewelry. She loved to shop! Memories of her holding grandchildren and great-grandchildren and singing little songs to them hold a special place in our hearts. She loved babies!
Her determination and strong will got her through the many trials in her life and she leaves this world with grace and pride. We are thankful for the life she lived, and we treasure the legacy she leaves with us. Her wish has come true and she is in her heavenly home with her parents, brothers, and sisters.

She is survived by Cheryl (David) Isaak, Pick City, Blair (Dawn) Meier, Bismarck, Nyla (Jim) Tognarelli, Riverdale, Damian (Dora) Meier, Washburn, Mike Meier, Pick City, Mark (Sheri) Meier, Rapid City, SD, Stacy (Norm) Braaten, Fort Peck, MT, Shawn (Marlys) Meier, Bismarck, Chad (Heidi) Meier, Edgeley, Jay (Kateri) Meier, Bismarck, and Stephanie (Jude) Slabodnik, Williston; 31 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren; one sister, Pat Svendsen; and one brother, Cliff (Marietta) Davis, both from Dickinson.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Blaine and Harvey; brothers, James, Glen, and infant brothers, Tommy and Ward; sisters, Ida, Delores, and infant sisters, Dolly and Julia.

The family would like to thank St. Vincent's, especially the Benedict Place, for their care of Peggy during her final few years. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St Vincent's Rose Park Project.