Rita Peterson, 90

Rita R. Peterson, 90, died Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.

Rita was born to Charles and Teresa (Hoffarth) Rosch on December 31, 1922 in Long Prairie. She was the second of four daughters. Rita attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Long Prairie. After graduating from Long Prairie High School, Rita worked in Washington, D.C. during World War II.

Rita and Everett Whelan were married in February 1947. They had one daughter, Kathy. Everett died suddenly in 1959, and Rita, now a single mother, began to work for the city of Long Prairie. In 1972, Rita married Harland “Pete” Peterson and moved to St. Cloud. Then in 1990, in order to be closer to her grandsons and family, Rita and Pete retired to Alexandria. Pete died in 2005.

Rita was a woman of faith. Her family and friends were a very important part of her life. Wherever she lived she met new people who instantly became her friends. Her one regret was not being able to correspond with others due to her arthritic hands. The annual “Sisters and Cousins Week” at the cabin was the highlight of her summer. She truly enjoyed visiting over a cup of coffee, keeping a neat house, and spending time with her grandsons.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Everett; husband, Pete; and sisters, Gerene Pepin and Viola Sursely.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Erik) Schultz of Alexandria; grandsons, Michael and Colin Schultz of Boulder, Colorado; sister, Doris Gattenby of Roseville; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, March 21 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Long Prairie.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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