Kathleen 'Peggy' Toepke

Kathleen "Peggy" Toepke, 94, died Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Wellness.

The daughter of Henry and Ellen (Shobe) Starck, she was born June 20, 1929, in Bismarck, N. D. She grew up in Judson, finishing first grade and transferred through 10th grade at McVille, N.D., then graduated from Bismarck High School. After completing nursing school in Bismarck, she married Kermit James Toepke in Judson, N.D. They resided in Watford City, N.D., for 31 years where she worked at the local hospital and in doctors' clinics for many years. Later she worked at the McKenzie County Social Services when Art Link was on the Board of Directors.

Upon Kermit's retirement they moved to New Salem, N.D., to be closer to family. They were able to spend 21 winters in Arizona. Upon her husband's death she moved to Bismarck in 2005. In 2019, Peggy moved to Thermopolis, Wyo., to be near her daughter. Moving to the Wyoming Pioneer Home in 2023 she found a community and many bridge players within Thermopolis. After a cancer diagnosis she became a resident of the Thermopolis Rehab and Wellness for a short period where she found a large group of caregivers.

Her interests were house plants, gardening, and contract bridge, teaching pinochle and bridge for many years in several communities. Her last years were surrounded by friends and family.

Peggy is survived by daughter, Maxine Kay Reese of Thermopolis; son, Kenten Toepke of Spearfish, S.D .; brother, Jack Starck of Bismarck; seven nieces; and three nephews.

A family memorial will be held in Bismarck at the Veterans Cemetery Chapel. She requested all memorials go to this Veterans Cemetery.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.