Margaret Lee Brooks Puetz, passed away peacefully at her home on May 16, 2024 with her family by her side. She lived her almost 86 years as a loving wife, mother/grandmother, loyal friend and fearless follower of God.
Memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 1:30pm at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Church, Bismarck. Family will be receiving friends, Monday, May 27th 5-8pm at Bismarck Funeral Home with rosary/prayer service at 7pm. Burial will take place at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. To view the livestream, click on the following link https://venue.streamspot.com/event/NDc1MDc2NA==
“Peggy”was born June 21, 1938, in Fargo, ND , to Lee and Mary (McKone) Brooks. She and sister and her two brothers were raised in Florid, Rhode Island, Virginia and eventually Fargo, ND to follow their father’s Naval career. Peggy attended grade school in Key West and in Fargo. She also attended Agassiz Junior High and graduated from Fargo Central High School.
After high school, Peggy attended The University of North Dakota, joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated in 1960 with a degree in social work. She met Cyril Puetz while he was attending NDSU during a family weekend in Fargo and then in a twist of fate they met again later on a double date. They were married July 1, 1961.
Together, Peggy and Cy raised their five children in Bismarck. They were very involved in their children’s sporting events at Cathedral School and St. Mary’s High School as well as Cy’s sports team involvements.
Peggy worked in many retail positions throughout her life but her claim to fame was her work at the ND Legislature in different roles, over several decades. You couldn’t pass the Info Desk without Peg knowing you were there and why. She was a beloved figure at the State Capitol and at ND political events.
One of Peggy’s lasting legacies is the open door policy of her home. The Puetz House was a welcoming place of refuge for many. Most importantly, it was the venue of the famous Puetz Christmas Eve Parties that many are glad to have attended and survived.
Peggy’s religious faith and dedication to Cathedral of the Holy Spirit church was an example for all. She served on the Church altar society and numerous committees throughout the years. She was an active member of ND Republican Women, Republican Precinct Committees and the Bismarck Arts and Galleries Association (BAGA to many) where she made a lasting impact. In addition to these roles, Peggy’s persuasive techniques in calling for volunteers and donations of food for all kinds of events was a special gift. Her technique garnered very few rejections.
Peggy’s greatest joy was keeping up with and spending time with her extended family and her friends. She shared her enthusiasm for family’s zealous love for NDSU and Bison Football, many a fun memory were made over the years cheering on The Hurd.
Peggy Puetz’s matter-of-fact approach to life, her classy attitude, loyalty and dedication to those she loved, curious and humorous nature and gifts of service and compassion will be remembered and missed forever but her spirit and smile will never be forgotten.
Peggy is survived by her 5 children, 6 grand-children and 4 great-grandchildren; son, Jim (Suzie) Puetz of Portland, OR and their children, Anna, Bailey and Greta; son, Matthew (Mary) Puetz of Bismarck, ND and their children, Katie (Issak) Schwab, Hunter (Abby) Puetz and Connor Puetz; 3 daughters, Catherine (Tim Vanderstel) Puetz of Grand Rapids, MI; Allison Puetz of Bismarck and Mari (Kevin Biggers) Puetz of Moorhead, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Cy, sister Mary Lou Brooks, brother, Bob Brooks and many other loving family members and friends.
Memorials are gratefully referred to Cathedral of the Holy Spirit or the charity of your choice.