Lois M. Peterson

Age 97, of Stillwater, passed away peacefully August 29, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; and her son, Greg. 

Lois is survived by her children, Maureen (Michael) Paque, Deborah Peterson, and David Peterson; daughter-in-law, Michelle Peterson; 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Dale (Marilyn) Richert; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Lois lived her life filled with love and kindness, touching the hearts of everyone she met. Lois was a dedicated, loving mother to her children. She loved to garden with her late husband, and they were known for selling their delicious sweet corn, canning dill pickles, and tomatoes . She loved to cook and bake, and our family appreciated all of her wonderful homemade meals, including her famous rye bread, rolls (buns), and Aunt Sally cookies at Christmas. Everyone knew that if Lois was cooking it was going to be good. We thought she was the best cook in Washington County!

We have good memories of Mom at Christmas…never asking for much. She always enjoyed opening gifts especially from her son David, as he had fun giving her a bar of Fels Naptha soap, Tide, a bag of flour, and a large can of Folgers coffee. She always enjoyed practical gifts from family. Lois loved having two of her grandkids Ben & Erikah with her, at Christmas the past years and she had fond memories of spending the holidays in Arizona when her two older granddaughters, Sara and Amanda when they were were younger. We looked forward to church service on Christmas Eve, opening gifts, and enjoying a meal of Swedish meatballs, Swedish sausage, cheesy potatoes, and a plate of Christmas cookies for dessert!

Lois was the second child of Oscar and Amanda Fehlow Richert. She was born on the farm in Lakeland Township, now Lake Elmo, on October 17, 1926. 

She and her older sister Helen attended the one room McKean School which has been restored and is now located at the Boutwells Landing Retirement Property. They were the only girls with twelve other farm boys. She walked two miles to school and she graduated from eighth grade there. 

Lois and her sister boarded with a relative in Bayport during her high school years. Lois worked in the kitchen at the White Pine Inn to earn money for room and board. WWII started when she was in ninth grade. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1944.

After high school Lois worked cutting leather parts at the shoe company and then worked as a Telephone Operator.

Lois married Oscar Peterson in 1950. She always wanted to be a mother so raising their four children filled her with joy.

She and Oscar were members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater since 1950.

She stitched many beautiful cross stitch pieces over the years which are framed, and hung and cherished by family. 

Lois’s advice for living was, “Be honest, don’t steal, don’t take advantage of others and love one another.”

Service Friday, September 6, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater with visitation beginning at 10:30am.