Gretchen Bauer Peppin

Gretchen (Becky Schmiesing Bauer) Peppin, age 61, of Dayton, MN, died February 28, 2021 at Parks’ Place Memory Care in Plymouth, Minnesota.

When diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, Gretchen showed her signature strength and grace. She vowed not to dwell on the difficulties.  She bravely fought the battle against this disease for over five years.  Along the way she never complained or felt sorry for herself.

Gretchen is the daughter of Virgil and Arline (Blomquist) Schmiesing – the eighth of nine children – and grew up near Hanska, MN.

Gretchen is a graduate of New Ulm High School (’78) and St Could State University (’82) where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. Working for Maple Grove Schools in Early Childhood Special Education, she had a gift for helping children with special needs. Gretchen’s humor, kindness, and generous caring made her a favorite of co-workers and students.

Gretchen married John Bauer and they had two beautiful daughters, Hannah (born 1986) and Britta (born 1989). When Hannah became ill, Gretchen dedicated herself to being mother, wife, and a wonderful caregiver to Hannah.

In 1996, Gretchen married Mike Peppin – they referred to each other as the love of my life. The new family – including Britta Bauer and Matt, Tom, Joe, and Gina Peppin -- enjoyed trips to Florida and summers up north.  Gretchen and Mike also enjoyed antiquing, gardening, bird watching, making salsa, and planning their new homes and cabin in Outing, MN.

Gretchen was expert at making Merry. Christmas was filled with decorations, baking, crafts, and family gathering. The salsa that Gretchen and Mike made notoriously sparked much spirited stealing at family gift exchanges. She extended merriment throughout the year and was always up for laughter, gatherings, singing and dancing. Her mother called her “my butterfly” as she could add lightness, beauty, and fun to almost every moment. Because of this quality, Gretchen collected lifelong friends throughout her life.

Gretchen is survived by husband Michael; children Britta Bauer (Amanda),  Matthew, Thomas, and Joseph Peppin, and Gina Horton (Scott);  grandchildren, Zaiden, Grace, and Vivien; siblings, Susan Leske (Duane), Stephanie Kolbe (Doug), Linda Kraus (Larry), Tom Schmiesing, Mark Schmiesing (Karee), Lane Schmiesing (Jody), Scott Schmiesing (Tracey), Kim White (Matt), a large extended family, and numerous friends who she loved dearly.

Gretchen is preceded in death by daughter Hannah, mother Arline (Blomquist) Schmiesing, and father Virgil Schmiesing. Gretchen will always be a cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, family member, and friend.

The family would like to thank the staff at Parks’ Place and Grace Hospice for their loving care of Gretchen.

A private family service will be held at a later date with burial at Nora Unitarian Church in Hanska, MN. We will celebrate Gretchen’s life with donations given in her memory to Nora Church and the Alzheimer’s Association.