Elva Peterson, 98

Elva C. Peterson, 98, died Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Barrett Care Center.

Elva was born September 26, 1910 to Charlie and Olga (Wik) Bishop in Urness Township, Douglas County. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evansville Norwegian Lutheran Church and attended school in the Evansville area.

On June 12, 1935, Elva was united in marriage to Vincent Peterson. To this union, five children were born: Charles, Roger, ViAnn, Dennis and Gary. They farmed in Elk Lake Township and were long-time members of Lincoln Lutheran Church, where Elva was an active member of the Ladies Aid.

Prior to her marriage, Elva worked at area resorts and restaurants. After Vincent’s death in March of 1973, Elva started working at the Barrett Care Center that fall until retiring in 1978 due to arthritic knees. Elva held the distinction of being the first person in the United States to have both knees replaced at the same time.

Elva baked many loaves of bread over the years, with buns being her legacy. The Thursday evening before her passing, she was helping to plan her 99th birthday celebration.

Survivors include her children, Charles (Fran) Peterson of Minneapolis, Roger (Mavis) Peterson of Brooklyn Park, ViAnn Pearson of Hoffman, Gary Peterson of Hoffman; daughter-in-law, Carmen Peterson of Hoffman; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Effie Bishop; one nephew and three nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; son, Dennis; son-in-law, Charles Pearson; daughters-in-law, Ginger and Ione Peterson; and three brothers, Ancel, Chester and Guy Bishop.

Funeral services for Elva were held Wednesday, August 26 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman with Pastor Steve Olson officiating. Burial was at Lincoln Lutheran Cemetery in rural Hoffman.

Condolences may be sent online at www.EricksonSmithFH.com.

Arrangements are with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman.

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