Martha M. Piepgras, 93, Rochester, formerly of Luverne, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, in Rochester.
Memorial services were Saturday, Dec. 29, at Madonna Towers in Rochester. A memorial service will be later at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Burial of cremains will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.
Martha Warkentin was born to Jacob and Agatha (Wiens) Warkentin on Jan. 27, 1908, in Mountain Lake. She graduated from Mountain Lake High School and Mankato State Teachers College, Mankato, in 1929. After graduation she taught first grade in Comfrey. She moved to Luverne three years later, taking a position teaching second grade.
She married Elmer P. Piepgras on June 9, 1936. They made their home in Luverne. Mr. Piepgras died in June 1984. She continued to live in Luverne until 1996 when she moved to a retirement home in Rochester.
Mrs. Piepgras was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne where she was active in choir, circle and a variety of other activities. She became active in volunteer work with the elderly, an interest and commitment that she pursued to her death. She was named Rock County Senior Citizen of the Year.
Survivors include four children, John, David, Jim and Donna; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Piepgras was preceded in death by her parents, 12 brothers and sisters, and her husband.
Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church, Luverne, Dollars for Scholars, Luverne, or Madonna Towers Foundation, Rochester.
Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.