Obituary of Shirley Olund Peterson

Shirley Olund Peterson, 86, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ Feb. 9, 2015. Shirley was born April 30, 1928 in Cambridge, Minn., to Charles and Elna Olund. The youngest of five siblings, she had happy memories of growing up in Cambridge. She graduated from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota in 1950 with a teaching degree and took her first position in Sandstone, Minn. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Gordon Peterson, at a square dance. They were married April 5, 1952. After their short stay in Minneapolis where Gordon completed his additional schooling, they moved to Moose Lake, Minn., where she taught for a few years and he worked at the state hospital. While raising their family, they lived in a house on Arrowhead Lane that was filled with many happy memories of laughter and visits with friends and relatives. In 1967, they moved to Superior, Wis., where Gordon worked as a hospital administrator. Shirley was involved with the Women's League of Voters, the PTA, a bridge group, and was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. She enjoyed family vacations, reading her Bible, trying new recipes, going on long walks, and was a diligent bargain hunter. After the sudden death of Gordon in 1979, Shirley moved to Roseville, Minn. to be near her siblings. She returned to Moose Lake in June 2011 as a resident of Augustana Mercy Care Center, where she received wonderful care. Her family is grateful for the many who blessed her. She is survived by her daughter Amy (John) Fregard, Superior, and grandchildren Laura, Stephen (Nikki), and Aaron; son Joel (Lynn) Peterson, New Lenox, Ill., and grandchildren Krista and Lisa; daughter Greta (Mark) Olson, Wasilla, Alaska, and grandchildren Ruth (Rich), Erik, and Kristen. She is also survived by her dear sister, Phyllis Johnson, of New Prague, Minn. It was Shirley's desire to be cremated and buried next to her husband Gordon in Esko, Minn. A private family graveside service will be held this summer.