Elizabeth Jean Perau, 89, passed away on Sunday, June 16 at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Elizabeth was born Jan. 21, 1924, in Union Township, Mitchell County, Iowa, to Eddie and Ella (Haugen) Fossey. The family later moved to the Lyle, Minn., area where she was baptized and confirmed member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She attended Gregg Country School and Lyle High School.

Elizabeth was united in marriage Nov. 30, 1940, to Albin Perau in Osage, Iowa, by the Rev. Solem. They were on their way to the Little Brown Church in Nashua but could go no further because of a snow storm. In 1944, Albin entered the U.S. Navy and served 2 1/2 years in Idaho, and Washington. Upon their return, they made their home in St. Ansgar where they lived their entire lives and raised their three children, Ronald, Bradley and Pamela. They were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

She was an active member of her church and community by participating in Deborah Circle, LWML, Friendship Club, quilting ladies, Chat and Stitch, and American Legion Auxiliary. Elizabeth also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Center and worked in the cafeteria at St. Ansgar Schools. Some of her favorite pastimes included: playing bridge with friends, sewing, quilting, flower gardening, cleaning house, cooking and baking.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her kind and gentle spirit. She loved being a mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and special friend to many. Those who knew her have fond memories of her welcoming home. She held tight to her faith in God and Jesus’ resurrection and wanted her family to do the same. John 3:16.

Survivors include her daughter, Pamela (Jim) Sampson of Lyle, Minn.; sons Bradley (Rose) Perau of Urbandale and Ronald (Lisbeth) Perau of Rifle, Colo; grandchildren Brandon (Heather) Sampson, Brian (Tatiana) Sampson, Kelsey (Jarrett) Korfhage, Melissa (Patrick) Quaid, Sarah (Ryan) Goins, Blaine (Bobbi) Perau, Eric (Lesa) Chesnut, Michael (Christina) Perau, Adam Perau, Nichole (Ben) Lunt; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albin; her parents; two brothers and sister-in-laws Donald (Rosemary) Fossey and Harold (Alice Louise) Fossey; and one granddaughter, Angelique Perau.

Blessed be her memory. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery in Toeterville following the service. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, www.schroederandsites.com.