Peggy Lou (Ernst) Deyak, 82-year-old resident of Mesa, AZ, died of cancer Friday September 17th, 2021 at Enclave Assisted Living of Gilbert, AZ. Peggy Lou was born in Onamia, MN on November 12th, 1938 to the late Francis and Rose Marie (Brown) Ernst.
Peggy Lou graduated from St. Francis High School in Little Falls, MN in 1956 and graduated from St. Gabriel’s School of Nursing as an RN in 1959. She met her husband, John Deyak, while working in Ely, MN and later married in California in 1962. They moved back to St. Cloud, MN and lived in the area until retirement.
Peggy Lou made Mesa, AZ her winter home, and San Diego, CA her summer home. No matter where she lived, she enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, board games, learning to play the harmonica and helping others to live healthy.
Peggy Lou is survived by son Brian Deyak, daughter Lynn Dahl and son Brad Deyak; grandchildren Shelby Dahl, Cassidy Dahl, Remington Deyak and Reagan Deyak; sister Charlotte VanRisseghem, brother Mike Ernst, and many nieces and nephews. Peggy Lou was preceded in death by her late husband John Deyak and parents Francis and Rose Marie (Brown) Ernst.
A Memorial Service will be held at Venture Out in Mesa, AZ on November 6th where Peggy Lou and husband John made their home after retiring from Minnesota. After Peggy Lou’s memorial service in Mesa, AZ, a graveside service will be held November 22nd at 1pm in Immaculate Conception Cemetery Becker, MN, where she will be buried alongside her husband John.
Peggy was game for any fun with the Venture Out gals. I recall our trip to Door County in Michigan and train trip to the Chicago Loop. And I particularly recall the fellow who hoisted her up the steps into the Northwest Train car when the step was too tall for her. And I will be ever so thankful for sharing her interior decorator, Steven, with me. She and Steven did all the shopping for décor then came back to me to say they had found just what I needed. I only had to write the check. She loved the shopping which I hated. She approached everything with enthusiasm.
I loved Peggy. We were friends up by Milacs Lake. We met for breakfast after Mass. Than lived next door to us for a short while in Clearwater. She had a delightfully since of humor. Played cards with she & John. I will miss her.
Our family have fond memories of Peggy. She was so kind and shared her oils with all of us esp my mom who passed at 103. We loved shopping, playing cards, remodeling her condo in CA and listening to her stories. Rest in peace
Peggy was my neighbour when I rented for 6 years Park unit in V.O. beside hers. She was always kind to me, remember going to few dances with her.
Also remember having late nightcups on my patio when she drove her golf cart home from the dog park. At these night talks I learned more about her life.
I will fondly cherish her memory.
We loved Peggy like a Grandmother. We only knew her for a short time but grew to treat her like family. She spent Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with us. She loved decorating gingerbread cookies. They say people come into your lives for a reason or a season. Our season with her was too short. May she Rest In Peace
Peggy was my classmate in nursing school. She made sure to stay in touch with me and several other classmates.
She alway expressed concern for whatever was happening in our lives and was especially caring in that effort.
She had a great sorrow in her life which she eddured with such grace. I was in awe of her ability to rise above, to make the best and to make good friends who gave her great support.
I’ll miss our conversations.
Rest In Peace dear Peggy.
I will miss my cousin, Peggy. She was a beautiful lady inside and out.
Some day I will see her again.
I just found out today of Peggy’s passing. I am so very saddened by the news. Peggy was a lovely sweet woman. Peggy had a heavy heart. She showed so much love and just wanted to be loved in return. Heaven has gained another Angel. May she now receive the love and respect she so deserves. I am including my favorite picture of Peggy that I took at Venture Out. May you Rest In Peace sweet lady. God Bless.
Peggy was a dear friend..we enjoyed many laughs & good times together.
Remembering our support of one another, in times of need or illness. She would anticipate my need and offer to assis, long before I asked. Swapping belongings became a pattern between us..& we were ready to swap back, if requested. A neat component in a friendship, l’d say.
Late in the evening, while she returned from the dog park with Macy, we’d enjoy great conversation of variety & content.
We played in competitive Bridge Games together..Peggy’s sharp mind contributed to great contracts & competitive sets.
Honoring Peggy ..I cherish knowing her & will treasure our friendship always.