Flavia Marie Peck

ROCHESTER-Flavia Marie (Gertje) Peck passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Samaritan Bethany on 8th.Love was her guide and kindness her creed.On her 97th birthday, after a story about her appeared in the local paper, she received 100 birthday cards.She married her college sweetheart, Walter Rolland Peck, on June 19, 1936. He preceded her in death on March 8, 2007.Flavia and Walter read the Rochester Post Bulletin every day, one would fill out the crossword puzzle, erase it, and hand the paper to the other.Flavia loved puzzles and crafts. Her grandchildren still hang her home-made ornaments on their Christmas trees.Flavia was born March 25, 1913 in South Dakota to Herman George and Mary Anna (Wunder) Gertje.After seven years of drought, her parents moved to Pine Island, MN.They left South Dakota with Herman riding in a rail car with the livestock, and Flavia riding in the Model T with her mother, a cousin and a canary in a cage.Since it was summer and no top on the car, they arrived sun burned.Flavia graduated from Mankato State Teachers College then taught in one-room country schools.She told of having to arrive early to make a wood fire to heat the room for children grades one through eighth.She and Walter farmed in Oronoco and Eyota. Over the years, they fed beef cattle and milked cows. After retiring from farming they made their home in Rochester, MN.Flavia was a long time member and oldest member of Peace United Church of Christ. She was active in Miriam Circle, Bible Study, Memorial committee, Senior Saints, Quilters Group and Christian Fellowship. Flavia is survived by a son, Harvey (Susan) Peck of Minneapolis; a daughter, Virginia (Tom) Starken of Fountain, MN. Also four grandsons, Richard Buss (friend Amy Dacus) of Charlotte, NC; Douglas (Lisa) Peck of Hastings, MN and their children Harrison, Calvin and Audrey;John (Marlene) Peck of New Jersey and their children Hannah and Brendan, and Kevin (Beth) Peck of Minneapolis and their daughter Caroline.She also gained a granddaughter, Ann Marie (Chris) Schad of Plainview and their son Joshua and another grandson, David Starken of Preston.Also remembered are Flavia's nephew David (Char) Ellefson and her niece Barb and (Gary) Karau. Flavia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, twin babies, David Allan and Della Jean, a grandson Jason Buss, and son-in-law Donald Buss.She often ended her phone calls with, Love You Much. We love you too, Flavia and will always remember your amazing life.A celebration of her life will be held 3:30 PM Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Peace United Church of Christ. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Friday at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home. A family burial will take place at Pine Island Cemetery on Saturday prior to the service.Memorials are preferred to either Peace Church, Seasons Hospice or Samaritan Bethany. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com