Peggy Lautenschlager

Peggy Lee Lautenschlager (nee Lystad) passed away on June 5, 2026, in Rochester MN, following an extended illness linked to Covid-19 at the age of 77.

Peggy, known as Petey by her loved ones, was born to Kenneth and Hope Elaine Lystad on August 8, 1948, in Bottineau, ND. She got the nickname because when she was a baby, her older sister, Penny, could not pronounce "Peggy" and called her "Petey."

Petey attended Stanley Public Schools, NDSU Bottineau, and Williston State College, obtaining her nursing license and degree. Petey worked as a nurse in many capacities - medical, locked adult psych, and obstetrics. When Petey made the decision to move on from her nursing career, she returned to school at Minnesota State University Mankato and obtained her Chemical Dependency Counselor License. She worked as a counselor until her retirement.

Petey was married to Daryl Lautenschlager of Berthold ND, in Berthold on October 8, 1977. As partners, Petey and Daryl enjoyed spontaneous dancing, quoting their favorite musicians, and taking day trips to Winona, MN for their favorite pizza. Petey and Daryl attended many concerts of their favorite musicians such as Arlo Guthrie, Kris Kristofferson, and Todd Snyder (the last of which she met in-person and got selfies!). Petey was also an avid reader. This was evidenced by her frequent trips to bookstores and thrift stores with her grandson and the books all over her home. She was proud of her large vocabulary that would often make others pause and ask, "What does that word mean?" Petey passed this love of reading and vocabulary to her children and grandson. Petey and Daryl also had a big space in their heart for their pet kitties. One could say their cats had them trained into daily routines of reading by the window with a morning coffee and providing tasty cat treats at bedtime. Petey filled the lives of those she met with joy, laughter, and generosity. She will be dearly missed.

Petey is survived by her husband Daryl, her two daughters Dawn Spencer of Rochester, MN and Holly LeRohl of Eagan, MN, grandson Spencer Lautenschlager of Rochester, MN, her two sisters Penny Hovda (married to Cliff Hovda) of Minot, ND and Kristan Johnson (married to Tony Johnson) of Rochester, MN, and two brothers Larry Lystad (married to Grace Lystad) of Lostwood, ND and Jeffrey Lystad (married to Mary Lystad) of Pelican Lake, MN.

Per Petey's request, there will be no funeral service, and the family requests donations be sent to the American Cancer Society or Mayo Clinic in lieu of memorials.

Petey's favorite quote:

Wear the world like a loose garment.

--St. Francis of Assisi