Peggy Jo Guillen, age 68, of Saint James, MN, died on April 24, 2026, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Mankato, MN.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James and will continue on Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Augustana Lutheran Church in Saint James.

Funeral Service will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church in Saint James on Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

Interment will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Saint James.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Peggy Jo Palmquist was born October 4th, 1957 to Swen and Edna (Baker) Palmquist. She grew up on a farm Northwest of Saint James until her early teens when the family moved into town. Peggy lived at home until her mother passed. Peggy married and divorced Ventura Guillen and later moved in with long time partner, Sheryl Wendt. Peggy worked at Tony Downs Food in Saint James and later in Madelia with only a 1 year break when she went to John Morrel in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Peggy was a regular driver in the Saint James Demolition Derby. From 1974-1981 participated in Fairmont Race Track #21. She enjoyed recreational golf and she took part in pool and dart leagues for decades. She also enjoyed listening to the old gospel songs that her mother used to listen to, old country music (especially Loretta Lynn), singing Karaoke, grilling with family, and having family get togethers. She could often be found playing around with the little family members. 

Peggy liked playing cards with the elderly gentlemen at the Square Deal Bar and hung out later at the Cellar Bar where she enjoyed singing karaoke under the Boston Hotel. 

She had a strict sense of right and wrong; she cared about her family deeply and always put her family first. She will be remembered for her playful, fun loving and adventurous attitude. 

Peggy is survived by her sisters, Brenda Martinez, Nancy Palmquist; brothers, Randy Palmquist; Karl "Butch" Palmquist; nieces; nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Swen and Edna Palmquist; brothers, John, Chuck and Earl "Jim" Palmquist.