Margery "Marge" Pirius

Margery "Marge" Eleanor Pirius, 85, of Red Wing died peacefully Sunday, November 29, 2009 at her home. She was born on August 12, 1924, in Red Wing to August and Mae (Shephard) Beckler. She graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1942. She enjoyed and excelled in several sports activities, particularly swimming, diving and skating, participating in numerous competitions during and after her high school years. She was a member of the Red Wing Band and was honored as the 1942 Central High School Homecoming Queen and All Star Athlete. In 1944 she was married to Clifford C. Pirius. As young newlyweds and parents, they loved ice-dancing and taught figure skating to Red Wing's youth for several years. They were active members of Christ Episcopal Church where Marge taught Sunday School for some seventeen years and Cliff served on the church vestry at various times. They were members of the "50 Couples Dance Club" and other community organizations. Marge and Cliff were married for 55 years until Cliff's death in February 2000. Marge was an avid Vikings and Twins fan rarely missing a game whether televised or broadcast on radio. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years, golf and was a member of the same bridge club for over 60 years.

Marge is survived by two children, Carol Ann Pirius of Red Wing and James of Alexandria, Virginia and Bonita Springs, Florida; one niece and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford and two sisters, Lucille Olson and Geraldine Madison.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Christ Episcopal Church with Father Charles Uhlik officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Kempf, Karl Brunner, Gary and Wayne Madison, Buck Foot and Bill Ness. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the parish hall at Christ Episcopal Church. A reception and luncheon will immediately follow the service in the parish hall. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Fairview Red Wing Hospice or Christ Episcopal Church. Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.