Peggy Jean Kelpe

Peggy Jean (Steger) Kelpe passed away on February 26, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Until her last day, Peggy remained in the comfort of her home that she built with her husband, Paul, on 15 acres in the Missouri countryside. She spent decades in her home feeding the deer, hummingbirds and songbirds, possums, and raccoons that frequented her yard and porch, and she welcomed any cat that needed a home. Peggy was an avid gardener and swears that once she even weeded her tomato plants with a bear mere feet away. With the help of her children, she made trails through her property where she enjoyed walks, adventures, and Gator rides. Not only did her home bring joy to her, but also to her family, as Peggy was the host of all family holidays, many birthday bonfires, and countless Sunday barbecues.

Peggy had many joys in life. She spent decades as a volunteer for the American Kennel Club working dog shows and showing dogs of her own. As well as rescuing cats, Peggy also rescued countless dogs to live out the rest of their lives with her on her property. When she wasn’t caring for the Earth’s animals, she was avidly following updates on politics, her favorite band A-ha, and all of the life updates of her children and grandchildren. Peggy loved unwinding with a drink, a dessert, and either a book or a movie she had likely seen countless times before. She opened her doors and home to many family members over the years, and she opened her wallet to more charities than one can count. She will be remembered for her generosity, spunk, sense of humor, and iconic porch sitting outfit: faded white shirt and shoes, khaki shorts, a thick headband or bandana on her forehead, and a beer in hand.

Peggy accomplished much in her 82 years of life. Among her many accomplishments, she earned bachelor’s degrees in biology, business, and nursing. After 30 years of dedication, she retired from McDonell Douglass, now Boeing, in 1996 before pursuing a career in nursing. Peggy retired from nursing in 2010 when diagnosed with the second of three cancers that she would ultimately face in her life. Beating so many odds with multiple myeloma is another accomplishment that Peggy took great pride in; so much so that she has donated her body to Wash U, as she knew she would be “a good study.”

Peggy has been predeceased by her parents, Lucille (Goergens) Steger and Elmer Steger, as well as her husband Paul Kelpe and her brother Marc Steger. Peggy is survived by her brother Michael Steger and her children, Doug (Marcia) Orf and Suzanne (Ballenger) Blaylock, as well as six stepchildren. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Tyler Orf, Madelyn (Kreienheder) Mikelson, Kristen Orf, Cameron Blaylock, Marissa Blaylock, and Travis Orf. As a great source of happiness, Peggy also lived to see her grandchildren start families of their own. She is survived by her first great-grandchild Harden Orf. Her second great-grandchild, and namesake, Rosemary Jean, was just short of meeting Peggy Jean. Peggy will be remembered by her loving family and her spirit will live on every time they listen to “Take on Me,” spend a day in the garden, or cook one of her recipes.

For any questions regarding Peggy’s memorial or place of rest, please direct questions to Peggy’s granddaughter Madelyn Mikelson via Facebook or email (mkreienheder2@gmail.com) as arrangements are ongoing and being planned for this summer.