Word has reached us that Congressman Peterson's mother, Della, died unexpectedly in her home yesterday.
From her obituary:
Della was born June 7, 1923, to Clark and Sena (Thompson) Askegaard in Comstock, MN, where she grew up and graduated from high school. She then went on to Moorhead State College where she received her teacher's certificate and taught in rural Baker, MN. On October 20, 1943, she married Lauren Peterson in Comstock. Together they settled on the farm near Baker, and raised eight children. While living on the farm she took care of the children and made many meals for the family and the hired men. In 1963, they were awarded "Valley Farmer and Homemaker of the year." In 1978 they moved to Moorhead, MN. After her children were grown she worked several years for Carol's Craftique. Her biggest joys in life were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her interests were crafts, bowling, golfing, cooking and baking, especially her brownies. She never missed sending a card to the people important to her on their special day. She will be dearly missed.
Della is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Lauren; children, Collin Peterson, Carol (Hugo) Moeckel, Connie Budke, Margaret (Mick) Johnson, Mary Peterson, Trish (Kurt) Fischer, Karen (Hal) Dickelman; grandchildren, Sean (Kristen) Peterson, Jason Peterson, Elliott (Janae) Peterson, Grant (Marie) Moeckel, Camille (Jarad) Niemi, Kevin (Angie) Budke, Neil (Mellonie) Budke, Joshua (Piper) Larson, Michelle Larson, Brandon Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Chelsey Peterson, Lucas Fischer, Logan Fischer, Heath Dickelman and Brady Dickelman; great-grandchildren, Caris Peterson, Karly Peterson, Collin Peterson, Tori Peterson, Corbin Moeckel, Dorian Moeckel, Avalon Niemi, Steven Budke, Taylor Budke, Kami Budke, Ian Budke, Stephen Nygaard, Westyn Larson, Coltyn Larson, Kaylin Larson; sister, Olive Olsgaard; sister-in-law, Arluene Seter; and son-in-law, Greg (Cindy) Larson.
She was preceded in death by daughter, Muriel Larson; sisters, Clarice Hendrickson, Inez Rekansrud; and brother, Archie Askegaard.
Because of his mother's death, Congressman Peterson will not be in Washington this week. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7, with a prayer service at 7, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead. The funeral will be Friday at 11 in Westminster Presbyterian Church, Baker, Minn. Burial: Elmwood Cemetery, Sabin, Minn.
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