Obituary of Gloria Heller Peterson

Gloria Heller Peterson of Edina passed away on February 3, 2021. Gloria was born July 31, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to George and Marguerite Heller. She was raised primarily in Wilmette, Illinois where she graduated from New Trier High School. She graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After college she returned to the Chicago area and worked as an executive secretary. Gloria met her husband, Carl Peterson, on a blind date. They were married in Wilmette in 1953 and lived in Deerfield, Illinois until 1958 when they moved to Edina with their first two daughters. They would come to have two more daughters, both born in Minneapolis. Gloria and Carl were long time active members of Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina. Gloria was active on many committees and circles there, including the wedding and archives committees, and most recently on Miriam circle. She also volunteered regularly in the church office until she “retired” in her late 80’s. Gloria was also active in the Edina Women’s club where she served as treasurer. She worked as a secretary for a number of companies through temporary agencies while raising her family. Gloria lived in her home in Edina from 1958-2014 when she moved into Vernon Terrace. She had many interests and was involved in many activities including traveling, doing crossword puzzles and playing bridge, and was an avid Jeopardy player. For 92, she had amazing computer skills, communicating regularly via email, ordering things for delivery online, and googling anything she needed to know.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Marguerite Heller, husband Carl Peterson and daughter Carla Peterson Stephens.

She is survived by her brother, George (Betsy) of San Diego, CA, Daughters Ingrid (Larry Ringgenberg) of La Crosse, WI, Amy Peterson of Eden Prairie, Judy Peterson of Minneapolis and grandchildren Matthew Ringgenberg (Jolynn) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jessica Ringgenberg (Alex Harris) of Minneapolis, and Kristin Ringgenberg of La Crosse, WI as well as nieces and nephews.

Private service and interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Normandale Lutheran Church Foundation, American Diabetes Association, or donor’s choice.