Dorothy Petersen

1931 - 2022

1931 – 2022
Dorothy G. Petersen was a generous and fun-loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world encircled with the love of her family on April 26, 2022, at age 90.
Born to Arthur and Amanda Skonnord in Valley City, North Dakota on September 24, 1931, Dorothy was taught along with her three sisters how to cook, can, sew, sing, paint, garden and to be active in the church and community. Dorothy was the valedictorian of her high school class in Valley City, North Dakota, and went on to graduate cum laude from Augsburg University. Marrying the love of her life, Marlo in 1953, Dorothy went on to raise four children and was blessed with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. As a loving wife, Dorothy supported and encouraged her husband to pursue his graduate degree. Dorothy personified her deep faith and love of serving others in her roles as a social worker, elementary school teacher and church volunteer.
Dorothy loved sharing Scandinavian traditions with her family - teaching the generations to make lefse, krumkake and fruit soup. She inherited her green thumb from her parents – taking pride in raising fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers. Her hobbies included pottery, china painting, jewelry making and baking. She will always be remembered as the "Bead Lady", instilling a love of crafting in her grandchildren. Dorothy enjoyed having elaborate tea parties and playing games with her grandchildren, along with dressing up as the "Pocket Lady" at family events – bringing joy to all present!
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Marlo Petersen; her children Mark Petersen and wife Teresa, Bruce Petersen and wife Kris, Robin Kohler and husband Kirk, Mike Petersen and wife Dana; her grandchildren and their spouses, Keri and Garrett Emerson, Dane and Morgan Petersen, Bryce and Caroline Petersen, Paige Petersen, Heidi Petersen, Kelsey Kohler, Kristen Kohler, and Soren Petersen; and her great-grandchildren, Evelyn Emerson, James Petersen and Hallie Petersen.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran World Relief (Baltimore, MD) or a charity of your choice.