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Obituary

Helen Dolores (Larson) Peterson

January 30, 2015 | 1 comment

Helen Dolores (Larson) Peterson, 88, of West Salem (formerly Onalaska), died peacefully at home on Monday, January 26, 2015.

She was born on December 9, 1926 in Forest City, IA to Harry Oliver and Esther Lillian (Branstad) Larson.  She graduated from Thompson High School in 1945 and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Luther College in Decorah, IA where she met her husband, Donald R. Peterson. They married in Leland, IA on March 24, 1951.

Helen was content being a farmer’s wife in Menomonie, WI and later willingly followed Don’s call to serve as missionaries in Africa and as parish pastor and wife in the Midwest.

She resided in Onalaska from 1972-2014 where she was a member of First Lutheran Church and excelled in the occupation of homemaker.  She enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, baking and Bible studies.  She busied herself with tasks that benefited others and sent many homemade items around the world. She was frugal to the core and found a use for every piece of fabric she came across.

Helen loved her family dearly and is survived by five children: Douglas (Judy) Peterson, Karla (Gene) Amann, Anne (Chuck) Pietscher, Cathy (Steve) Gabrielson and Meg (Kurt) Pfuhl and by 16 grandchildren: Joel, James, Mark, Jody (Derek) Busch & Joni Peterson, Beth, Sarah & Paul Amann, Kate (Brett) Cole, Laurie (Rhett) Burton & Elsa (John) Hanlon, Renee Jackson & Kara (Steve) Wert, Elliott, Isaac & Ari Pfuhl; also six great grandchildren: Karston, Emma & Abby Cole, Zander Jackson, Kaphen & Kyler Wert and one on the way!  Also surviving Helen are sisters Muriel (Bernie) Teague and Anne Moe and sisters-in-law Louise (Herb) Patterson & Sally (Jim) Head.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings Venita (Edwin) Christ, Bob Larson, Herb (Liz) Larson and James Larson.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 6, 4-6 p.m. at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska.  A Christian memorial service for family will be held at a later date officiated by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) (ret.) Douglas J. Peterson.

Condolences

1 Comment

  1. betty & mike spence bettys 1st cousin

    our condolences go out to the ESTHER SISTERS & family. due to spinal surgury we were unable to travel any distance at this time. it was nice to see you ann & chuck in maquoketa last summer.hope to see your family at the next larson reunion in 2016

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