Margaret “Peggy” Lehar

Obituary

Margaret “Peggy” Ann Lehar was born on August 18, 1946, in New Ulm, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Gordon and Estella (Hartung) Rieke. Peggy was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax. She received her education in Fairfax, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Fairfax High School class of 1965.

On May 25, 1968, Peggy was united in marriage to Pat Lehar at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Lori. Peggy and Pat made their home in Fairfax. They shared 57 years of marriage.

Peggy and Pat owned and operated their own catering business, serving local communities a wide variety of delicious food for more than 50 years. Often serving generations of families for graduations and weddings. A favorite offering was her potato salad. She was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax. Peggy was also a member of the American Legion Post 205 Auxiliary, Catholic Church Women, Catholic Aid, Christian Mothers. and Fairfax C&C. She also ran Fun Fest for many years.

Peggy enjoyed catering, helping Pat on the farm, and bowling on her league in Fairfax. She also loved playing with her dog, Lassie, playing bridge and other card games, jigsaw puzzles, crafting, sewing, and gardening. Peggy especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren, whether it was going to their ballgames or just visiting.

Peggy passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at CentraCare-Redwood Hospital in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, at the age of 78 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Peggy is survived by her:
Husband, Pat Lehar of Fairfax, MN;
Daughter, Lori Lehar (Calvin Setter) of Litchfield, MN;
Grandchildren, Paige Lehar and Nicholas Lehar;
Niece, Holly Rohde of Prior Lake, MN;
Step-grandchildren, Colton (Ashley) Setter and Courtney Setter;
Several Step-great-grandchildren;
Siblings, Chuck Rieke of Gibbon, MN, Joann Schmid of Hutchinson, MN, Tom (Cynthia) Rieke of Fairfax, MN, and Patti (Alan) Kiecker of Park Rapids, MN;
Brother-in-law, Charles Lehar of Fairfax, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Peggy was preceded in death by her Parents, Gordon and Estella Rieke; Step-grandson, Cody Setter; Sister, Barb Rohde; Sisters-in-law, Mary Rieke, Ruth Miller, Rosemary Miller, Helen Lehar; Brothers-in-law, Bob Schmid, Leo Lehar, John Lehar; Godmother, Germaine Kuglin.