Margaret "Marge" Bette Perron

Eighty-nine years ago Margaret “Marge” Bette Jespersen was born to parents Louis and Jennie Jespersen of Luverne, North Dakota. She was the fourth of nine children; five boys and four girls. Raised on a farm during the depression, Marge was not a stranger to tough times, hard work, and survival, intertwined with family, fun and love. She shared stories of when she and her siblings piled into one bed with a hot iron and covered with blankets during the long, cold North Dakota winter to keep warm. Drought and difficult depression years found the Jespersen Family east in Minnesota; first to Forest Lake, then to Centerville where they continued to farm. During her high school years, she moved in and worked for Dr. George Ruggles and family of Forest Lake to support herself while completing her high school education. Marge graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1943. Following graduation, Marge worked for North West Airlines and finally Deluxe Check Printers before becoming a housewife. On November 8th, 1947, Marge was united in marriage to Gerald “Jerry” Perron at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Their three year courtship began after they met at a dance and were casually introduced by their parents, who were friends. Following their marriage, they farmed the Perron Homestead in Mendota. From there they moved to the east side of St. Paul where they started their family. Along came Bonnie in 1951, Nancy one year later, and Lori in 1959. Jerry got a “wild hair” to try his hand at farming once again and somehow convinced Marge to move to a “cute” little farm deep in the heart of Henriette, Minnesota. Low and behold in 1965, along came the twins… OH BOY!!!... no, OH GIRLS!!! Donna and Debbie. What a surprise that was at age 40! Again, Marge was no stranger to hard work. She participated in the farming operation while tending to her family. In 1971, they decided to sell, and moved to the west side of Pokegama Lake. There, they purchased Birchview, beginning a new chapter in their lives. Those 19 years were filled with many friendships and long hours. Their retirement was welcomed in 1990 and the hard work and long hours ended, but their friendships remained, including mom’s long time faithful friend and neighbor, Tootie. Dancing is what brought Marge and Jerry together, and they did so every chance they got. They could be seen smoothly sweeping the floors in earlier years at the Prom Ballroom, Schlief’s Little City and Bel Rae Ballroom as well as Pine Camp, Fish Lake, Woischke’s, various senior dances and even a polka tour to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Marge’s dancing days came to a “brief” halt when Jerry unexpectedly passed away in 1997. The following year, another special gentleman by the name of Roy Swan gracefully entered Marge’s life. Roy asked friends Gordy and Adeline to invite Marge along to a dance… and the rest is history. Marge and Roy were married on April 17, 1999 and became next door neighbors to the Nelson’s. The next 2 wonderful, but short years before Roy passed away were spent enjoying more dancing, friends and family, trips, and wintering in Texas. Marge continued to spend much of her time with family and friends. She loved being with her children and grandchildren, attending their many gatherings, activities, and special occasions. If there was a senior dance, she was there. If the Zuks were playing, she was bound to be there, even if it meant by wheelchair from Golden Horizons to the Pine County Fair. Although she struggled with her memory and mobility toward the end of her life, she NEVER lost her rhythm. There wasn't a time when her hands or toes weren't tapping to music. Sunday February 8, Marge passed away just as she lived her life; gracefully and centered around family, faith, and love. We will miss the wonderful, kind, gentle lady she was. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who have cared for our dear mom/grandma, most recently the staff at Golden Horizon's and Fairview Lakes Hospice. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten and we hope whenever you think of Marge it will bring a smile to your face and a "polka beat" to your heart! Our fond memories and her beautiful legacy will continue to live on in our hearts. She is survived by her daughters: Bonnie Gruhlke of Shoreview, Nancy (Bruce) Halbert of Walker, Lori (Tim) Carlson of Pine City, Donna (Mike) Winters of Pine City, Debra Haugrud of Pine City; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren, brothers: John (Phyllis) Jespersen of Rock Island, Illinois, Vernon Jespersen of St. Paul; sisters: Joyce Cowette of Moundsview, Janice Noll of Douglasville, Georgia, and her longtime friend Tootie Gregor. Marge is preceded in death by her parents Louis & Jennie (Porse) Jespersen, husbands: Gerald Perron and Roy Swan; brothers: Louis, Lyle and Morris Jespersen, and her sister Georgiann Saffel. Rev. Vicki VanderVegt will officiate at a funeral service for Marge; 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. A visitation with reviewal will be held on Friday evening at the Swanson Funeral Chapel from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service at the church. A spring interment is planned at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Funeral arrangements for Margaret Perron are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com