Lorena Peterson

Lorena Martha Rose Peterson, 98, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, October 7, 2013 at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

She was born April 2, 1915, in Friberg Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Martha (Mavis) Thom. She was baptized in the church that was being held in School District #159 where she also attended grade school. Lorena was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls where she attended parochial school, and then went on to attend Washington High School through 11th grade.

On December 31, 1933, she married Alf E. Peterson at the Trinity Lutheran Parsonage in Fergus Falls. The couple resided in Friberg Township where they farmed and raised their seven children. After retirement they moved to a home where together they enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, sharing them with friends and family.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of East Friberg where she was a co-founder of St. Paul’s Ladies Aid Group, holding the positions of President, Treasurer, and Secretary. She also served as President of Sunday School for many years, as well as teaching classes. She was a very devoted Christian and her social life revolved around the church and her family.

Lorena was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a great cook, gardener, and seamstress, and loved to read and play the organ. She shared a love of caring for others and did so in her home for many family members for many years. Following her retirement Lorena enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home in Underwood where she lived in her mobile home in the yard of Rick and Marie for 17 years. She also had many friends among the co-workers and residents at River View Heights and the Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

Preceding her in death were her parents, William and Martha; her husband Alf in 1986; a daughter and son-in-law, Pauline and John Waasdorp; a granddaughter, Heather Sherwood, and a grandson, Timothy Waasdorp; and two sisters, Hertha Carls and Emma Bergren, four brothers, Reinhart, Ted, Melvile, and Clarence Thom, and their spouses.

Survivors include her children: Darvin (Karen) Peterson, Norman (Verna) Peterson, Connie (Larry) Sherwood, Charles (Judy) Peterson, Alvin (Carolee) Peterson, and Marie (Rick) Jacobson; 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Edna (Gene) Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 6 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2013, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Noel Herr
Interment: St. Paul Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls.
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.