Perneal Thomas of Edina, age 69, passed away Oct. 3, 2002 after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife, mother, sister and friend will be dearly missed.

She was proceeded in death by her mother and father, Alexander and Mathilda Peterson; sister Madeline Larson; parents-in-law Gladys and Ervin Toenges; and brothers-in-law Dale Hemmingsen, Gerald Schrieber and Dale Toenges. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Rolland (Rollie) Toenges; daughter, Rhonda (Dr. William) Omlie; son, Randall Toenges and special friend Wallace Threlkeld; sisters, Arlene Schrieber and Deloris Hemmingsen; sisters- and brothers-in-law Arling Larson, Beverly (Ray) McMullin and Marilyn Toenges; and nieces and nephews.

Perneal was born Feb. 9, 1933 in Mansfield Township, Freeborn County. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and remained deeply committed to her faith throughout her life. She graduated from Alden High School and worked at Northern States Power Company and The First National Bank, both of Albert Lea. In 1955 she was married to Rolland Toenges. In 1959 Perneal and her family moved to the Twin Cities where they have been residents of Edina for the past 35 years.

In addition to being a homemaker and volunteer, Perneal worked at Lowell Incorporated where she was shipping manager for 21 years until her retirement in 1998. Perneal was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and the Edina Women’s Club. Her favorite pastimes included spending time with family and friends, travel, theater, gardening and playing cards. She particularly enjoyed watching birds and other wildlife from her special sunroom.

Funeral services will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 500 Blake Rd. S., Edina at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 7. Visitation will be today from 4 – 7 p.m. at Washburn McReavy Edina Chapel, Hwy. 100 and 50th St. in Edina, and at the church one hour before the service.

For the convenience of family and friends in southern Minnesota, there will be a funeral service at First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, with visitation one hour before the service.

Burial will follow at the Peterson family plot in Mansfield Township Cemetery, Alden.

Memorials preferred to the Animal Humane Society of Hennepin County, The American Cancer Society, and the Mansfield Township Cemetery Association.