Delores Peterson

Delores Arlene Peterson, 84, of Breckenridge, MN (formerly Kent, MN), passed away, as a result of complications from pneumonia, surrounded by her loving family at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 8, 2019, at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Breckenridge. Father Stan Wieser will be officiating, and the burial will be held at a later time at Fairview Memorial Gardens, Wahpeton.

Delores was born in Wolverton, MN, on June 28, 1934, the daughter to Alfred and Gladys (Albrecht) Ruediger. She grew up and attended country school near Wolverton, and then continued her education at Breckenridge High School. After her formal education, she worked on the family farm. In October of 1952, Delores was united in marriage to Lloyd Peterson at a church in Kent, MN. They made their home in rural Kent for a short time and later moved to Kent where they raised their five sons.

Always one to stay busy, Delores held odd jobs in Kent while raising her family. Once her children were old enough, she began working for various jobs in Breckenridge and later, entered the nursing field as a certified nursing assistant. Through her work at St. Francis, Breckenridge, St. Catherine’s Living Center, Wahpeton, and volunteer work with Wilkin County Senior Companion program she was able to pursue her passion for helping others. Her loving husband, Lloyd, passed away on July 20, 1981.

Delores was an incredible wife and mother; she worked hard and had a spirit of perseverance. One of the most important things in Delores’ life was her ability to care for others. Her family, neighbors, friends, and residents at the nursing home knew her for her selflessness and nurturing nature. She expressed her love in several ways, especially through her cooking. Delores was always the first to serve her family their meal and as she would make the rounds checking that everyone was fed enough to her satisfaction, she would finally sit down to feed herself. Delores made friends effortlessly and always looked for opportunities to bless others. In her later years, she enjoyed being outdoors and visiting with her friends and family. She also had a knack for various forms of crafting and jigsaw puzzles. Sunday nights were blocked out for listening to Lawrence Welk and watching Daniel O’donnell on PBS. The legacy she built was weaved together by the strength she drew from her family. Her greatest joy came from watching her sons raise families of their own; blessing her with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Delores is survived by her sons, Richard (Suzanne) Peterson of Wahpeton, ND, Ralph Peterson of Barney, ND, David (Virginia) Peterson of Wahpeton, ND, Duane (Trudy) Peterson of Gwinner, ND, and Larry (Chris) Peterson of Bagley, MN; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Virginia (Bob Marks) Ruediger, Verlie Knutson, and Janet (Lee) Doberstein; and sister-in-law, Lois Ruediger.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Peterson; parents, Alfred and Gladys Ruediger; sisters, Avis Anderson, and Cecelia Johnson; brother, Donald Ruediger; daughters-in-law, Cheryl and Mary; and great-grandchildren, Collin Schiltz, Mason Schiltz, and Alec Irwin.