Eunice V. (Madsen) (Higgins) Perau, 90, of Mankato, Minn., formerly of Austin, Minn., died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Eunice Virginia was born on March 16, 1923, in Spencer, Iowa, to Frank M. and Anna (Amsrud) Madsen. Eunice grew up in Austin, and attended Austin High School. On Dec. 12, 1952, she married Allan L. Perau. They raised three children in Austin. Allan and Eunice enjoyed fishing, camping, square dancing, cards and exploring the U.S. They visited every state except Alaska, Hawaii and the New England states.

Eunice’s other hobbies were reading, telling jokes, crocheting, sewing, and keeping in touch with relatives and old friends. She moved to Mankato in September 2011, where she resided at Old Main Village. More recently she was at Ecumen Pathstone Living.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Allan.

Eunice is survived by her son: Russell (Suzin) Higgins, of Bakersfield, Calif.; two daughters: Peggy (Charles) Draheim, of Madison Lake, Minn., and Connie (Charles) Larsen, of Mankato, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Thomas Ogilvie officiating.  Interment will be at St. Peters Cemetery, Toeterville, Iowa. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday morning. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.