Obituary of Peggy Lynn Sjolander

Sjolander,

Peggy Lynn

Age 74, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on December 10, 2021. She was born December 30, 1946, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the fifth of eight siblings to loving parents Florence and Gene Birchler. 

Peg attended Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee and St. Catherine University in St. Paul. For many years Peg worked as a reference librarian at Campbell Mithun in Minneapolis. 

Peg was especially close to her son, Chad, and his family. Chad valued conversations he had with his mother and the friendship they shared in his adult life, referring to Peg as his best friend. Although geographically distant, Peg was an integral part of Chad’s family's lives, especially her two grandchildren, Shaylee and Chad, sharing as many activities and special events as possible. The times spent one-on-one with Grandma Peg during visits are memories both grandchildren treasure. 

Peg also loved being with her siblings and their families, all of whom have special memories of time spent camping and playing cards. No family camp-out was complete without a campfire sing-along, with Peg leading a slate of favorites which would be accompanied by hand gestures and comical noises. Peg was nothing if not competitive, whether in athletic activities, board games, or cribbage.  

Always an avid reader and walker, Peg was able to spend even more time after retirement reading and walking the trails in her beloved neighborhood park with close friends. She also volunteered her time tutoring students in reading and helping in the local school library. Peg was active at the YMCA and often played bridge with friends. Peg traveled extensively throughout her life, traveling abroad numerous times as well as exploring destinations closer to home. She never missed attending the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, amassing an impressive collection of steins. 

It is well known that Peg loved words and anything to do with words, from puzzles to trivia. Peg often wrote personalized songs that were both meaningful and funny for family members celebrating milestones, and, you can be assured, they were all grammatically correct.  

Peg will be remembered for her kindness and generosity to her family, friends, and neighbors. The fabric of our lives has been changed with her passing, leaving us with less vibrance and joy. Peg will truly be missed. 

Peg is survived by her children, Chad (Tonya) Sjolander and Kara (John) Witham; grandchildren, Shaylee and Chad; sisters, Anne Fields, Patti (Greg) Wise, Jane (Ron) Kraemer, and Joan (Roger) Holman; brothers, John Birchler and Jim Birchler; 20 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.  

Peg was predeceased by her parents; brother, Bob Birchler; sisters-in-law, Mary Birchler, Betty Birchler, and Kathie Birchler; brother-in-law, Dennis Fields; and favorite aunt, Marion Brock. 

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Peter, 2600 N. Margaret St., North St. Paul, on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from Noon until the time of the Mass. Memorials to Reading Is Fundamental in Peg’s name would support her lifelong passion.