Peggy Lou Ecker

Peggy Lou Ecker, age 76, of Waite Park, formerly of Maple Grove, died on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House near St. Cloud.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a remembrance service at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale.  Burial will take place at a later date at Rush Creek Cemetery, Maple Grove.

Peggy Lou Jude was born September 5, 1949, at St. Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis to Thomas and Donna (Brower) Jude. She grew up in Kimball, graduating from Kimball High School with the Class of 1967. The following year, she was married to Randy Ecker. They made their home in Maple Grove, where they raised their only son, Jeremy, who was Peggy's pride and joy. Peggy and Randy later divorced but remained friends through the years. For the past 25 years, Peggy has found love with her companion, Mike Madden.

Peggy had a vibrant spirit and lived a life full of adventure, laughter, and love. She cherished her time in the great outdoors, embracing nature through hiking, repelling, gardening, and she found joy in the thrill of barrel racing with her horse, Kernel.

Peggy's heart was big enough to welcome a myriad of furry friends into her life, with her dogs, Missy and Chewy, standing out as her faithful companions. A lover of live music, she found great joy in attending concerts, where her wild side truly shone. Peggy also took immense delight in cooking and entertaining, bringing friends and family together.

Her career was as varied as her interests, spanning roles in banking, restaurants, factories, and medical clinics, but the job that touched her heart most was her time spent at a greenhouse, where she nurtured both plants and her love for nature.

Above all, Peggy treasured her family, who were the greatest joy in her life. Her infectious spirit and unwavering love will be profoundly missed.

Peggy is survived by her daughter-in-law, Kelly (Philip) Hanson of Grand Marais; sister, Connie (Ken) Rathje of Annandale; grandchildren, Ella, Faith, and Dominic; bonus grandchildren, Cindle, Tobyn, and Max; significant other, Mike Madden of Watkins; nieces, Jen (Kevin) Vevea and Jessica Rathje; great-niece and birthday buddy, Kenlee Vevea; Mike's family; and many nieces-in-law, nephews-in-law, cousins, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Donna Jude, and son, Jeremy.