Margaret Ann Perkins

Margaret Ann Perkins, long-time Chatfield resident, died peacefully at the Chosen Valley Care Center on Sunday, August 24th , 2025.

Margaret was born in Red Wing, MN on November 25th , 1937, to Carl and Ruth Oberg. She was raised on her parents’ farm, near Vasa, where she acquired her skills of confidence and incredible drive. She attended a one room country school before graduating from Cannon Falls High School in 1955. While attending the University of Minnesota, she met her husband, James (Jim) Perkins. They were united in marriage on August 29th, 1959, in Vasa MN. Both Margaret and Jim were active community leaders. The two were a team and full of energy. Margaret was one of the first female elected leaders in Minnesota. Margaret was the first woman Mayor of Chatfield, served on the City Council for 12 years and served 8 years as Vice-Mayor. During her tenure as an elected official, she served on a number of City, County and State Committees. Margaret was a founding Member of the Chosen Valley Care Center and served on the boards of the Chatfield Public Library, Chatfield Brass Band Free Music Lending Library and Chatfield Women’s Community Club.

As part of her lifelong philosophy of service to her community, she served on numerous committees. She taught Sunday School for 13 years at Pioneer Presbyterian Church. Margaret was a renowned Minnesota State High School League speech and play judge for 16 years and a Judge for numerous Southeast Minnesota 4H contests. She enjoyed watching participants develop life-long communication skills.

Margaret worked for Jim in his law practice, Peoples Natural Gas and served as Credit Manager at Strongwell, until her retirement. Her interests above all were her family and friends. She enjoyed travel, history, antiques, reading and outdoors.

Margaret is survived by two sons, Justin Perkins of Chatfield, Gabriel (Kristen), of Rochester, two grandchildren, Madeline Anne and Ryan James (Jadie); Sister Jean (Gordon) Trotter of Alexandria, VA; two nieces, Laura (Tom Gates) of Alexandria, VA, and Linda Trotter (Gary Manwill) of Terrebonne, Oregon; three grand nephews and one grandniece. In addition, she is also survived by her extended Hasselblad Family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jim Perkins, Chatfield Attorney and Founder of the Chatfield Brass Band and Chatfield Brass Band Library. The Perkins Family wants to thank the incredible care teams of the Chosen Valley Care Center and Mayo Clinic Hospice for her end-of-life care.

A memorial service will be held at the Pioneer Presbyterian on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive family and friends one hour prior to services at the church.

Private Interment will be at the Chatfield Cemetery.

Please send memorials to the Chatfield Brass Band Library, Chosen Valley Care Center, or the Chatfield Community Foundation.