Peggy Ann (Freese) Batdorf, 74, of Good Samaritan Nursing Home, died May 1, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea surrounded by her loving family. Peggy had chosen to donate her body to science.

Peggy was born on Jan. 11, 1938, to Ruby (Truhlar) Freese and John Freese in Austin, Minn. Peggy had a love for traveling — she had gone to California for awhile and then returned to Minnesota. Peggy worked and retired from Telex after 30 years in Blue Earth. She married Richard Batdorf, and they made their home in Blue Earth, Minn. Richard passed away in 2009; after that she moved to Albert Lea to be closer to her family. Peggy loved reading, arts and crafts, fishing, bowling, camping, and loved watching her wrestling matches on TV and spending time with her family and friends. Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruby (Truhlar) Freese; husband, Richard Batdorf; brothers, Elmer Freese and John Freese; brother-in-law, Alvin Chapek and her godchild/great-nephew, Randy L. Stahl II; and niece, Betty Jo Oswald. Peggy is survived by sisters and brothers, Rosie (Cecil) Haskin of Denver, Iowa, Jack (Karen) Freese Grand Meadow, Minn., Frank Freese of Austin, Joe (Betty) Freese of St. Paul, Joyce Chapek of Albert Lea, Pearl Ferguson of Austin, Raymond Freese of Austin, Ward (Sue) Freese of Blooming Prairie, Minn.; 27 nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial celebration will be 1 p.m. June 10, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Bethany Hall, 301 West Clark Street, Albert Lea.