Margaret Ann Klem

Margaret "Peggy" Ann Klem of Pine City passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the age of 102 after a long and happy life.

Peggy was born on August 25, 1923, in Miles City, Montana to Peter James and Lucy Agnes (Stenger) Shimek. Along with her parents and three brothers (James, Frederick, Frances), they migrated from Montana to North Minneapolis, in the late 1920's. She graduated from Minneapolis' Edison High School in 1942.

She married Harold Walter Klem on January 31, 1943, in St. Anthony, Minnesota. As they started their family of five children (Karon, Kathleen, Harold "Kelly", Sandra, Tracy), they settled in Arden Hills until 1980 at which time they moved to Cross Lake near Pine City. The Cross Lake home was Peggy's permanent residence, where she lived independently until the age of 102.

Peggy loved living on the lake. She enjoyed reading, playing solitaire and putting puzzles together. She also liked spending time outside and watching all the activity on the lake. She was a bit of a fire bug and relished a good bonfire. She enjoyed going to the casino and went often with her children. Peggy had a joyful spirit and was always happy and smiling. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. People enjoyed spending time with her, and she cherished her friendships. She loved her family and friends, and her door was always open to anyone who wanted to stop in for a visit.

Peggy is survived by her son Harold "Kelly" (Janice Deesten) Klem; daughter Tracy (Steve) Scheid; and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Peggy was a wonderful and loving wife, mom, grandma and great grandma.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Lucy Shimek; husband Harold Klem; brothers James Shimek, Frederick Shimek, Frances Shimek; daughters Karon Lee Smith, Kathy Lucille Hagberg, Sandra Jean Schouweiler; and son-in-law Wally Hagberg.

Peggy was a remarkable lady, who lived an amazing life. She was a very special person and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com