Peggy Joyce Gerrard

Peggy Joyce Gerrard, died on Monday, September 23, 2013 after a courageous battle with Alzheimers. She was born on June 21, 1932 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to John and Esther (Vollenweider) Bender. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa with her family at the age of 14. She graduated from Valley High School and later attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She worked many years with her parents at Park Lane Drive In in Des Moines. She also owned and operated Peggy Js Ceramics. There wasnt anything she couldnt do from sewing, baking, gardening and quilting. In 1952 she married Richard Gerrard and they later divorced. Together they had three children. In 1999 she married Charles Miller. They resided in La Crescent, Minnesota. They enjoyed traveling, dancing and spending time in their gardens.

Peggy is survived by her husband Charles, daughters Joni (Joe) Hayes and Jan (John) Zoutte, daughter-in-law Tonya Gerrard, grandchildren Ruanna, Eriah, Brittany, Autumn, Spencer, Kelsey and Jennifer. She was preceded in death by her son John Gerrard.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, September 27, 2013 at South Ridge United Methodist Church, 1781 Chicken Ridge Road, La Crescent, Minnesota. Pastor Mark Bengston will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Alzheimers Foundation or Gundersen Lutheran Hospice.

The family would like to thank Bluffview Memory Care Center, Lakeview Health Center and Gundersen Lutheran Hospice for their wonderful care. Schumacher Kish Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family.