Doris Valerie Petersen

DORIS VALERIE PETERSEN was born on March 8, 1924 in Wellington, Kansas, to Pastor Eilert C. and Edna S. (Sandberg) Nielsen. She was baptized by her father in Wellington and confirmed at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, on April 10, 1938. Valerie’s family moved often in her younger years. She began school in Valley Falls, Kansas, then attended middle school at Yale School in Chicago, then Parker High School in Chicago, before graduating from Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Kansas. She furthered her education by attending Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, graduating with an BA Degree in English. Valerie worked four years at the Blue Earth Post and Faribault County Register as a reporter. Then she taught school in District 58 southwest of Ruthton, Minnesota for two years, 1948 to 1950. On December 28, 1950 Valerie was united in marriage to Norman J. Petersen at Hope Lutheran Church in Ruthton. The service was officiated by her father Pastor Nielsen. To this union, four children were born. The couple made their home near Ruthton and Valerie raised their young family. In 1965, Valerie received her teaching degree after attending Sioux Falls University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Then she taught English at Ruthton High School until 1971. She continued to serve as a substitute teacher for the district until retiring in 1982. On April 15, 1997, Norman preceded her in death. Valerie continued to reside at her home on the farm and she spent her winters in Florida with her daughter until June of 2018, when she became a resident at Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall, Minnesota. On Friday, August 3, 2018, while at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Valerie went to be with the Lord at the age of 94 years, four months and 26 days.

Valerie was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ruthton. She was active in the church, serving as librarian from 1978 until 2010, member of the Peace Lutheran Church Women, Circle, and serving as a Sunday School teacher and Bible School teacher. She enjoyed helping people and the community and served on the committee which put on the ‘4th of July Celebration’ in Ruthton. She also volunteered at Senior Dining in Ruthton. Valerie was an avid reader and frequently referenced the encyclopedia to her children. She also spent time knitting and playing scrabble. She also enjoyed riding on a golf cart around her daughter’s neighborhood while in Florida.

Valerie is lovingly remembered by her four children, Evelyn Ambler of Fort Myers, Florida, Eric (Gail) Petersen of Ruthton, Arne (Rachel) Petersen of Roswell, New Mexico and Elsa (Larry) Voltz of Bemidji, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Adam) Ambler, Christopher (Tennille) Madden Petersen, Heidi (Matthew) Schaefer, Corwin (Jan) Petersen, Alison Petersen, Clinton Petersen, Lars (Joyce) Voltz and Leif Voltz; seven great-grandchildren, Joshua, Alize, Trinity, Truman, Rose, Jameson, Vivian; and a sister, Beverly Nielsen of Hemet, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; parents, Pastor Eilert and Edna Nielsen; and a sister, Muriel Payson Crane.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp.