Wendy Preston

Wendy Mary Preston, 64, of Fergus Falls died Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home under the care of Knute Hospice.

Wendy was born July 16, 1960, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to Cynthia Richardson and adopted at the age of 13 by her neighbors, Raymond and Ethel (Gravlin) Peterson.

She attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and Moorhead High School. She furthered her education at Fergus Falls Community College earning an AA and LPN degree, Associate's RN degree from Regents College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Augsburg University in 2011.

Wendy married John Solberg in 1979. On March 27, 1987, she married Randy Preston.

Wendy's earliest employment began as a Human Service Technician and Nursing Assistant in Fergus Falls. Her employment at Mayo Medical Center in Rochester began in 1987 as an LPN, holding positions over her 30-year career as a staff nurse on a surgical floor, Research Assistant, Clinical Care Team RN and retiring in 2017 as a Chronic Care Disease Manager.

Wendy was a member of The Rock Church of Yuma, AZ, Life Church of Fergus Falls and took part in numerous bible studies. For eight years she was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. A couple of the many highlights in her life was a two-week trip to Israel in 2017 with Randy and Crosswinds Church of Rochester and being on the Mayo Clinic Hurricane Relief Medical Team in 2005, for three weeks in Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina.

Thrifting, boating on the Mississippi River, traveling the US with Randy and summer time at Jewett Lake with family were some of Wendy's favorite things. Randy and Wendy spent the last seven winters in Yuma, AZ at a 55 and older park. She loved being a social butterfly and dog whisper. She really enjoyed meeting and befriending people. She was a natural working with the homeless population through the Rock Church tour bus in Yuma.

She is preceded in death by her grandma, Jesse Richardson; parents, Raymond and Ethel Peterson; son, Bradley Solberg; sisters, Beverly (Jerry) Ness and Patricia (Mac) Wilmoth and brother, Dale Peterson.

Wendy is survived by her husband, Randy Preston; children, Jason, Joshua (Missy) and Stephanie Preston all of Fergus Falls and Jennifer (Joshua) Shreves of Rochester; 15 grandchildren; biological mother, Cynthia Roichek of Chicago, IL; brother, Gary (Mary) Peterson and sister-in-law, Marion Peterson.

"When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart. For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart."

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Life Church in Fergus Falls with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church

Clergy: Reverend Nicholas Preston

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, at a later date.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com