Peggy J. Lenherr

Peggy Jane Lenherr, 85, St. Marys, KS, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024, following a short battle with recurring cancer. She was born April 18, 1939, in Topeka, KS, the daughter of Derald Melbourne and Helen Marcella Stader Sparks. She was a 1957 graduate of St. Marys High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Washburn University in 1961.

Peggy began her teaching career in Emmett, Kansas, and continued in Omaha, Nebraska for a year following her marriage. Upon returning to St. Marys, she dedicated the remainder of her teaching career to the Wamego school district including Belvue, Zeandale, and 34 years as a business teacher at Wamego High School. Peggy retired from teaching in 2001 after 39 years of devoted service. After retiring, she continued to support education through her membership in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society and the St. Marys Literary Club.

Peggy enjoyed a busy social schedule throughout her life. Her calendar was always full. She was a planner and organized many of the activities in which she participated. Peggy loved to play golf. She was a long time member of both the St. Marys Golf Course and the Wamego Country Club, and actively participated in both the ladies groups and couples golf with her husband, Paul. She also was an avid bridge player, having learned the game from her parents. Peggy loved to travel. She especially enjoyed cruises, taking multiple trips to the Caribbean and Alaska. Music has always been a passion of Peggy’s. She learned to play the piano at a young age, and paid it forward by teaching piano to many youth in the St. Marys area, including her two daughters. She played the trombone in the SMHS band and continued to participate in alumni band activities. She delighted in attending the band and vocal concerts of her grandchildren as well. Peggy enjoyed live theater performances, and musicals were definitely her favorites.

Peggy was a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. It was there that she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Paul Leo Lenherr, on June 9, 1962. He preceded her in death. Peggy is survived by her two daughters Christy (Mark) Grannell, Gardner and Helen (Joe) Schwinn, Leavenworth; and by her brother, John Arthur Sparks, Brandon, FL. Other survivors include 5 grandchildren: Jim (Ashley) Grannell, Tom (Allegra) Grannell, Ann (Jack) Vielhauer, all of Shawnee; Sarah Jo Schwinn (fiancé Jared Larson) and Zachary Schwinn of Leavenworth; and 7 great grandchildren: Adalyn and Logan Grannell; Henry, Gianna and Azélie Grannell; Leo and Julia Vielhauer.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. in St. Marys; rosary will be prayed at 5:00 PM. A funeral mass will be offered at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 3rd at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 208 W. Bertrand Ave, St. Marys with burial following in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

In honor of her love of education and music, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys High School Band in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 W. Maple Street, St. Marys, KS 66536. Online condolences may be left at www.piperfuneralhome.com.