MARGARET VEGGE, age 96, of Luverne, died Monday, July 16, 2012, at her home. She was born October 24, 1915, on a farm in Luverne Township, to Tallak and Johanna (Helle) Vegge. She lived in Rock County her entire life.
Margaret was baptized and confirmed by Pastor L.P. Lund at the former Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church which was an important part of her life. She served on various committees, taught Sunday school, was superintendent of Sunday school, and sang in the church choir for 78 years. Margaret was also active in her church circle.
She attended rural school for eight years and graduated from Luverne High School in 1933. She took normal training in Luverne to be a rural school teacher and also attended Mankato Teachers College. For thirteen years, Margaret taught in various rural Rock County schools. Over the years, many of her former students would stop to visit with her and talk of their retirement while she was still working.
Following her teaching years, Margaret began working at Renfro Variety Store for Don and Mary Renfro. She served as the store manager until she purchased the business in 1968. The business was her pride and joy. Margaret especially enjoyed when friends from far and near would visit her at the store.
A major highlight of Margaret's life was being chosen Minnesota Outstanding Older Worker in 1999. She received this award in Washington,  D.C.
Margaret was a charter member of the Business and Professional Women's Organization of Luverne and was chosen Rock County Woman of the Year in 1972 by the organization. She was supportive of Augustana College and was a member of the Augustana Fellows and provided scholarships to several students. The Sons of Norway, the Agderlag, and the Luverne Chamber of Commerce were also interests of hers.
Margaret was the oldest business person on Main Street. She received the Chamber of Commerce plaque in 2007 for her support of this organization over the years. Several television stations and newspapers did feature stories on her long-time business career.  Margaret continued to work  well into her 90's. Her store motto was "if you can't find it at Renfro Variety, you don't need it."
Family and traveling brought great joy to Margaret. She traveled to Norway to visit family several times. She was always the family program organizer at holiday events and taught several generations Norwegian songs and dances.
Margaret is survived by her six nieces and nephews, Carol (Ernie) Arnold, Fred (Sara) Vegge, Daryle (Joyce) Vegge, Connie (Tim) Connell, Audrey Jean (John) Westberg and Martha (Tom) Nelson; fourteen great nieces and nephews; and several great great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Carl, Tilda (Reuben) Larson, Trygve (Eunice) Vegge, and Norman (Louise) Vegge.
Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Friday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.   The funeral will be at 10:30 am on Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
The family requests that memorials be given to the Grace Lutheran Church Organ Fund or the Sanford Hospice of Luverne.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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