Peggy Ann (Burgdorff) Douglas

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Douglas, Peggy Ann (nee Burgdorff) 81, died suddenly, Saturday, May 4, 2024. Born December 14, 1942, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Harold and Dorothy (Cnare) Burgdorff, Peg began her journey to change the world. Always a stellar student, she graduated from West High School in 1961 and earned her degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and became a life-long Badger. She launched her career as a social worker in Chicago where she met her husband, John Douglas. They married and moved to St Louis for John's career in the steel industry and then on to Orono, Minnesota, in 1972. Elizabeth Ann joined them in 1976 and Andrew in 1978 through the Children's Home Society, where Peggy ultimately served as a Member of the Board for over 14 years. Peg re-entered the workforce in 1989 as Wayzata's first Crime Prevention Coordinator for the Police Department. Soon in that same year, she began her role as Executive Director of Wayzata's Chamber of Commerce, meeting and influencing both the business community and Wayzata itself. Retiring to become a realtor until 2006, she returned to lead the Chamber through 2012 to serve and mentor - and enjoy - her colleagues and friends. Of particular note was her role in the community's successful engagement in and support of the Chili Open and James J. Hill days. That same year, she was named "Wayzata's Person of the Year." Retirement brought many more meeting opportunities. There were the monthly meetings of the Wayzata City Planning Coalition, the Rotary Club, and the Junior League. For over 50 years as a member of Wayzata Community Church, she greeted all as Head Usher, served on several boards and committees, helped with and donated to the Rummage Sale, helped create the local Meals on Wheels, and sponsored a Hmong family's immigration to the United States. She always extended her hand in faith to the community as a cofounder of Interfaith Outreach Community Partners. Friends and family were her world. Peggy was a part of three book clubs - (The Henpeckers for over 40 years), various important neighborhood groups (Thirsty Thursdays!) and routine walks along her beloved lake - always extended because she talked to all en route. Everyone knew her. She could be found somewhere near her 'Odyssey' license plate or hostessing gatherings at home or the Gazebo. Peg was an avid world traveler with family and friends. Best of all was her time spent with her beloved grandsons, Damion and Winter Douglas. Their travels together were the endless stories she told, as varied and fun as we know she was. Peggy enjoyed every moment with her two grandsons whom she loved fiercely and would always be willing to share a story of how proud she was of them. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Dorothy (Cnare) Burgdorff and her husband John. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Douglas and grandsons, and her son Andrew Douglas. Her family wishes to thank all those who shared her life, filling her days with love, care and support, and especially the extraordinary neighbors who shared years of moments and memories, laughter and tears, and parties and joy until the end. Now heavenly hosting begins. "Change is Good and Fun is Mandatory!" There will be a Celebration of Life at 3 PM on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Wayzata Community Church, 125 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata. The reception follows at the Wayzata Country Club. Because everyone knew Peg so well, in lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or the Minnesota Humane Society. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 davidleefuneralhome.com

Published on May 12, 2024