Peggy Fajen

Margaret “Peggy” Irene Fajen (nee Thompson) 89, went to her eternal home with Jesus on Sunday, April 24, 2022, surrounded by family. Peggy’s faith was a guiding force in her life’s work as a mother, missionary and teacher. She rejoiced in her family and friends who will miss her kind smile, effortless laugh and warm heart.

Peggy was born in St. Louis, growing up along South Grand Ave. She graduated from Washington University with a degree in Elementary Education. She married John in 1955 and they began  20 years of service as missionaries in Nigeria, West Africa. She lovingly raised their five daughters. She held health and wellness classes for local women and conducted a medical and wound clinic on their back porch, while supporting John’s work as a linguist, developing a written language and translating the New Testament for the Ukele people. Peggy also taught school for many years in St. Louis and Glidden, Wisconsin, after she and John returned to the States in 1977.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Morris, Libby Brown, Melanie Linger (Chris), and Barbara Olson; six grandchildren Jessica (Cliff) Jones, Andrea Powell, Jennifer Linger, Jacob Olson, Michael (Lauren) Linger and Heather Linger;  two great grandchildren Ethan Powell and Eliza Linger; her sister Susan Lucas, her niece Sarah Lucas (Jonathon Kass) ; a great niece Stella Grace Kass and nephew Isaiah Lucas Kass.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Hardee and Grace Thompson, husband John Fajen and daughter Polly Fajen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem Lutheran School or the Kukele Language Development and Bible Translation - Lutheran Bible Translators.

Services:  Visitation Monday, May 2nd 4-8 pm at Ziegenhein Funeral Home, 7027 Gravois Avenue; Funeral Tuesday, May 3rd 11:00 am, at Salem Lutheran Church, 8343 Gravois Road, lunch to follow.