Peggy Jean Hiestand-Harri

Peggy Jean Hiestand-Harri passed away on August 28, 2025 at her home in Hermantown. Peggy was born in Duluth, MN to Delores and James Aird. Peggy graduated from Denfeld High School in 1969. She lived in and traveled throughout Europe as a military wife and mother. As a working mother, she went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She continued her education throughout her life. Peggy worked as a dietician and a diabetes educator for Fond du Lac Tribe and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Later in life, she reviewed Head Start grant applications for the Department of Health and Human Services. She was an accomplished seamstress; she started a small business in her home and sold her crafts online.

When her mother lost significant savings to a phone scam, Peggy became a dedicated advocate for seniors’ financial security. As an AARP volunteer, she helped change laws in Minnesota and worked with Senator Amy Klobuchar to pass the bipartisan Seniors Fraud Prevention Act, strengthening protections against scams targeting older adults. (President Biden signed this legislation into law in March 2022.)

Preceding Peggy in death are her parents; a baby sister, Barbara Jo; cat, Tuxedo; and her loving husband, Richard E. Harri. Surviving are her children, Robyn Hiestand of Washington, DC, and Ryan Hiestand of Duluth, MN; her former husband, Clyde Hiestand of Warrensburg, MO; rescue cat, Pancake; her brother, James E. Aird of Proctor, MN, and his family; as well as many cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 am with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. in Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.