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101-year-old WWII vet showing no signs of slowing down

Marion Peck was a top 10 finalist for the SilverSneakers National Member of the the year award.

LE SUEUR, Minn. — In Le Sueur, Minn., there is one woman that stands out above the rest. Marion Peck is 101-years-old, still drives her car, and is more fit than many people half her age. 

She also was a top 10 finalist for the SilverSneakers member of the year. The nationwide program helps seniors with range of motion, balance and strength.

"She means everything to us," said Peck's SilverSneakers fitness instructor of 14 years, Krisann Krause. "She still has a purpose. She has a packed schedule, I mean, you ask her where she is off to next and she'll rattle off five things."

Peck always hoped to join the military, and at age 20, she got her wish. Peck joined the Navy after FDR created the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service Program during WWII. This made her the first Le Sueur woman to become a member of any of the women's military organizations, besides army nurses.

"President Roosevelt needed women to fill the stateside jobs of the sailors so they could man the ships," Peck said. 

She also met her husband Bill while serving and the couple had five children. One of which joined the Navy, another, joined the Peace Corps.

In a month, Peck will turn 102, but she has no plans to stop moving.

"I suppose it's hereditary good health, but I think a great deal is the exercise that I did throughout my life, I never stopped," Peck said.

To top it off, Le Sueur Mayor Shawn Kirby proclaimed Oct. 3 as Marion Peck Day. 

"It's just too much, but I love every minute of it, just pour it on," Peck said with a laugh.

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