Elaine L. Peterson

Elaine L. Peterson, 85, West Fargo, ND, died in her home on Sunday, January 17, 2010 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.Elaine Lucille Lere was born on December 1, 1924, in Minneapolis, MN, to Emil and Thora Larson Lere. She graduated as Valedictorian at Dilworth High School. Elaine married Runyon Peterson on September 1, 1944, in Dilworth, MN. When he returned from his military service, they settled in Dilworth, where they made their home. In 1952, she was diagnosed with polio and spent five months in the hospital in Fargo and then three months in a rehabilitation facility in Minneapolis. In 1958, they built a lake cabin on Big Pine Lake near Perham, MN, where they entertained family and friends for many years. Every September, when they closed the lake cabin, they drove out to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands to be with Elaine's sister, Klarese. Following Runyon's retirement, they spent several winters in Texas. Elaine was involved in circle at Dilworth Lutheran and also belonged to a sewing club and a birthday club. Runyon died on September 2, 2006. Survivors include her sons, Wayne Kathryn Peterson, West Fargo, ND, and Mark Marian Peterson, Dilworth, MN; 7 grandchildren, Elizabeth Scott, Angie Pastor Nathan Pile, Kevin Peterson, Elise Peterson, Michael Peterson, Isaac Peterson, Katie Josh Schonert; and 3 great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Miquela Scott, and Jeremiah Schonert. She was preceded in death by her husband, Runyon, grandson Matthew Peterson; and sister Dr. Klarese Dorpat. Caregivers; Kathy, Tara, Kari, Muriel, and others, and Bethie, the #1 pest.