Gladys Peterson

Memorial service for Gladys Louise Peterson, 90, of Virginia, formerly of Lake Esquaguma will be 11 am Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Aurora with Pastor Eric Thiele officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Gladys died Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Essentia Health-Virginia. She was born on March 6, 1926 to George and Mary (Waha) Heinonen in Pine Lake Township, MN. Gladys grew up and attended school in Finlayson, MN, graduating from Finlayson High School, Class of 1943. On April 10, 1944 Gladys was united in marriage to Donald Peterson in Finlayson. The couple made their home in rural Sandstone where Gladys was a proud homemaker and mother of five children. The couple moved to Lake Esquaguma in the 60’s. Gladys enjoyed participating on volleyball and bowling leagues, and the trips to the state and national bowling tournaments with her daughters. She also took pleasure in crocheting, trips to Hinckley and especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Gilbert. Survivors include four children: Arnold (Barbra) Peterson of Sandstone, Mary Ann (Ernest) Helander of Palo, Lorna (Gary) Fabel of Brooklyn Park, and Jeri (Jack) Heitala of Palo; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; one sister: Evelyn Dancer of Carlton; and her best friend: Virgil “Virgie” Zarnec of Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter, Brenda Dahlstrom, a sister: Eleanore Prokop; and brother, James Arthur Heinonen; and her parents.