Evelyn Peterson, 97, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Pioneer Memorial Care in Erskine, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Rev. Mark Helgeland and Rev. Terri Cuppett officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Friday, November 18, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Saturday.

Evelyn Orela Samuelson, the daughter of Olaf and Mary (Lien) Samuelson, was born on May 27, 1914.  As a child she attended Northrup School.  In 1932, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, MN, and afterward continued her education in a Teachers Training Course at Lincoln, graduating in 1933.  During high school she was an excellent athlete, participating in basketball, volleyball, track, and hit pin baseball.  Evelyn was an outstanding student and a proud member of the National Honor Society.

Evelyn met her future husband, Elvin while she was teaching when she was 22 years old.  For their first date, Evelyn fondly remembers Elvin bringing her flowers.  On October 29, 1936, Elvin and Evelyn were united in marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN.  The couple made their home on a farm in Pennington County, and raised their family of four children:  Doug, Keith, Gary, and Gail.

In 1961, Elvin passed away and Evelyn then moved into Thief River Falls.  For many years she worked for Rasmussen Insurance Agency in Thief River Falls until her retirement.

As a young adult, Evelyn was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.  She later became a member of Clara Lutheran Church, and upon its closing, transferred her membership to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls where she remained a member.  She was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and enjoyed volunteering at Oakland Park Nursing Home.

Evelyns pastimes included reading, crosswords, quilting, crocheting, knitting, gardening, storytelling, attending musical performances and theater, and visiting with family and friends.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Keith (Carole) Peterson of Panora, Iowa, and Gail (Tim) Pugmire of Woodbury, MN; daughter-in-law, Arlene Peterson of Plummer, MN; grandchildren, Toni (Mike) Dolby of Jordan, MN, Gregg (Julie) Peterson of Eden Prairie, MN, Geri Lynn Paul of Indianola, Iowa,  Michael (Angie) Peterson of Earlham, Iowa , Charles Pugmire of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Matthew Pugmire of San Francisco, CA; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild; sisters, Avis Freed of Oak Park, IL, Lillian Holmstrom of Thief River Falls, MN, Jean (Harold) Brandon of Middle River, MN, Joyce (Gordon) Pyrtle of Bella Vista, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Elvin; sons, Doug, and Gary; brothers, James, Lloyd, Virgil, and Bob, and her sister, Ila.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST:  Reid Froiland
SPECIAL MUSIC:  Terri and Chris Cuppett
SELECTIONS:  On Eagles Wings & In The Garden
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS:  Children of the Heavenly Father & Amazing Grace
PALLBEARERS:  Michael Peterson, Tim Pugmire, Charley Pugmire, William Billy Peterson, Harold Brandon, and Scott Brandon
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS:  Matthew Pugmire and Gregg Peterson