Peggy Lee Lanckriet

"For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

~2 Timothy 4:6-7

In Loving Memory of Peggy Lee McCulloch-Lanckriet

August 15, 1953 - December 19, 2023

On December 19, 2023, as the temperature hovered at a horse-riding-perfect 67 degrees, Peggy Lanckriet transitioned from the warmth of a December day into the eternal embrace of divine clouds. Peggy's 70-year journey on Earth concluded at Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke, CO. Surrounded by family and friends, her spirit found peace with her Lord and Savior.

Reflecting on Peggy's life, we celebrate the tapestry of faith, family, and love that defined her existence.

"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."

~John 14:13-14

Peggy Lee Lanckriet, born on August 15, 1953, in Sutherland, NE, to Helen Mae Martin-McCulloch and Stephen Glenn McCulloch, embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned various towns, each holding a chapter of her life. From Imperial, NE, where her parents managed The Gamble Store, to Julesburg, CO, for the Sweet Shop, and Security, CO, close to her beloved older sister, Nonnie (Wanda) Weiss, Peggy's early years were marked by resilience and adaptation. Her academic voyage took her through elementary schools in Imperial, NE, Julesburg, CO, and Ogallala, NE, culminating in her graduation as an Imperial LongHorn in 1971.

During her brief time at Julesburg Elementary School, a fleeting moment on the playground captured Peggy's attention - a young boy running without any apparent distinction. Little did she know that this seemingly ordinary encounter would leave an indelible mark on her heart. Peggy faced the challenges of her parents' divorce during her formative years, and the profound desire for family became her fervent prayer to God. Climbing the steps of a church, she beseeched the heavens for the blessing of a family to call her own.

In her pursuit of happiness, Peggy embraced life's unpredictable twists with grace. Her story, a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to family, is a testament to the enduring spirit of a woman who, against the odds, found solace in the simple joys of familial bonds.

In May 1974, Peggy returned to Julesburg to support her sister, Debra, during her recovery from surgery. That evening, Eric Lanckriet, whom Peggy had noticed years ago on a school playground and who had charmed her with his playful antics near her sister's house, called Peggy. After their first date, they spent every day together and surprised their families by marrying after just three months of dating. Their wedding on October 19, 1974, marked the beginning of a journey that led them from the mountains of Colorado to the plains of Julesburg, where they built their family.

God blessed Peggy and Eric with the family Peggy had prayed for on the steps of a church as a young girl. Their daughter, Micaiah Lee, was born in February 1976, followed by their son, Kaleb Ray, in May 1978. In the original Lanckriet Farmstead, Peggy turned a house into a home, creating cherished memories for her family. Despite not having a mother figure to guide her, Peggy became the epitome of a loving wife and mother, offering unconditional love, guidance, a listening ear, and playful jokes. She taught her children the importance of compassion, service, and taking pride in being children of a King who breathed life into the world. Peggy's heart, care, and guidance were a blessing to her family, making her a cherished presence in their lives.

"God's gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully."

~1 Peter 4:10

Peggy's boundless compassion extended far beyond the confines of her home, embracing everyone she encountered in the community through various jobs and clubs. Whether at Irene's Fabric Shop or Abts Pharmacy, Peggy's kindness radiated, drawing people into her orbit. She generously shared her understanding and care, reaching out to those unable to make the journey by reading to nursing home and assisted living residents, making heartfelt home and hospice visits, and offering inspirational words alongside a sweet and savory touch for the soul. Her genuine smile and warm presence left a lasting mark on all fortunate enough to experience her love and compassion.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

~Ecclesiastes 9:10

With unwavering care, Peggy considered it her divine calling to nurture everything bestowed upon her by God. When her husband felt led to establish a custom farming business, Peggy wholeheartedly dedicated herself to realizing God's blessings through their joint efforts. Despite not growing up on a farm, she fearlessly operated any machine or guided any trailer, approaching challenges with prayer and attributing glory to God upon completion.

"For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of sound mind."

~2 Timothy 1:7

This was the verse Peggy read the morning of her car accident in March 2010, and it became her guiding light until the end of her days. Following the accident, she was faced with many challenges as she battled her way back to her "new normal."The accident was a test of her strength to prepare her, her family, and friends for the road that was ahead of her. She faced Alzheimer's with great courage and grace and became a testament to us all. In the course of her battle with Alzheimer's, Peggy exemplified an unwavering spirit that endured even as her memory faded. Amidst the challenges, she maintained the capacity to feel loneliness, anger, love, happiness, a sense of security, and a remarkable sense of humor. Her life stands as a testament to the depth of her humanity, surpassing the limitations of memory. Peggy leaves behind a legacy marked not only by resilience but also by an enduring passion for her family and friends and a profound belief in God.

Peggy Lee McCulloch is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Eric Lanckriet; her children, Micaiah Lee and Kaleb Ray, along with four beloved grandchildren: Anders, Rafe, Liam, and Piper Lee Buettenback, all of Julesburg, CO. Peggy is also remembered by her sister, Debbie McCulloch-Unruh (Duane) of Greeley, CO, and her sister and brother-in-law, Diana Cumming and Kevin Lanckriet, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Helen Martin-McCulloch and Stephen Glenn McCulloch, her father and mother-in-law, Henry and Irene Lanckriet, and her sister, Nonnie (Wanda) Weiss.

A memorial has been established in Peggy's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com, where the services will be streamed live.

A Celebration of Peggy's life will be on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Sedgwick County Community Center, with a reception to follow at the Sedgwick County Fairgrounds.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.