Marian Peterson

Marian Lucille Peterson, 89, of Fergus Falls, went home to be with the Lord on February 12, 2012 while residing at Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead, Minnesota. Marian was the oldest of ten children born to Adolph and Emily Dyrud. She was born April 23, 1922 in Everett, Washington and baptized July 30, 1922. While still a preschooler, she moved with her family to Conrad, Montana. She was confirmed June 7, 1936 at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church in Conrad and graduated from Conrad High School in 1940. Following graduation, Marian worked for the JC Penney Company in both Conrad and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. After moving to Fergus Falls in 1949, she worked for the Hartz Grocery store (1949-1951) and Mid-America Dairymen, Inc. (1966-1984). Marian married Reuben E. Peterson on June 10, 1951 at First English Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. They raised their family in Fergus Falls and had been married 44 years at the time of Reuben’s death. In March 2010 Marian moved to Mill Street Residence in Fergus Falls where she lived until January 2012. Her favorite activities there were playing Scattergories and attending Bible studies. Marian was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed visiting with friends and family, sewing, reading, cooking, doing puzzles, gardening, walking, traveling and participating in Homemakers Club. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls where she taught Sunday School and volunteered as needed. She also participated in Bible studies, WELCA, the prayer chain, and Couples Club. Her generosity spilled over into the community where she served as both a Cub Scout den mother and Blue Bird leader. After retirement, she volunteered for the Otter Tail County Historical Society and the Lake Region Healthcare Auxiliary. Her kind acts and gentle spirit touched many people. Marian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reuben Peterson; three sisters, Eunice Dyrud, Lois Dyrud and Elsie Dyrud; and two brothers, Milan Dyrud and Lester Dyrud. She will be deeply missed by her surviving family: daughter, Krista (James) Olia of Brookfield, WI; two sons, Mark Peterson of Moorhead, MN and Glenn Peterson of Hillsboro, OR; two dear granddaughters, Sarah (Andrew Johnson) Olia of Cambridge, MA and Karen Olia of Commerce City, CO; two sisters, Phyllis Branstetter of Laurel, MT and Evelyn (Neil) Morck of Billings, MT; two brothers, James Dyrud of New Richmond, WI and Charles Dyrud of Houston, TX; and a sister-in-law, Mary Dyrud of Billings, MT.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, February 16, 2012, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Jennifer Rose Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.