Ellen May Peterson

January 16, 2014 surrounded by her children. She was 85.

She was born on May 8, 1928 to Reinhardt and Mary Belle (Orndorff) Thom in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She graduated high school from Underwood, Minnesota. She then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and graduated from Business College.

On September 24, 1948 Ellen married Clifford Peterson and they lived in Fergus Falls, Minnesota where they were both employed. Later the family moved to Moorhead, Minnesota. Ellen worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Law firm of VanOsdal Foss and Miller and later at her husband Cliff's State Farm office. The couple retired in 1990.

Ellen centered her life around family and friends. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was proud of her children and enjoyed spending time with them and their families.

Throughout her life Ellen was active in the community in which she lived. They wintered in Arizona where she enjoyed her many friends and social activities. She enjoyed bridge and was an avid golfer.

Ellen is survived by daughters; Susan Peterson-Hazan, (Randy Hazan), Linda Peterson, Cynthia Kraft (Bradley); son Randall Peterson (Marti); grandchildren, Michelle Kemp (Thomas); Sara Hazan, Kari Peterson, Kaj Peterson, Andrew Kraft and William Kraft; great grandchild, Jacob Kemp; sisters Margery Willard and Marilyn Sorben. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Peterson; son, Mitchell Peterson; her parents; and brothers, Elroy Thom, David Thom, Karl Thom, and Randolph Thom.

There will be a graveside service in Fergus Falls, MN this summer, date to be determined.

Memorial donations on Ellen's behalf may be sent to the American Heart Association or Our Saviors Lutheran Church.