October 21, 1921 – Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Service Information
Evangelical Covenant Church
Monday, June 28, 2010
2:00 p.m.

Visitation Information

Elsie Josephine Swanson Peterson, 88, died unexpectedly and went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at Lake Ridge Manor in Buffalo, MN.

She was born in Minneapolis, MN, on October 21, 1921, to Gottfried and Betty Swanson. She grew up with a family life centered around their involvement at the Swedish Tabernacle, where she was confirmed in 1932. She graduated from South High School in 1940.

In 1943, Elsie moved to Los Angeles, CA, where she worked and was active at First Covenant Church. While there, she shared an apartment with Lorraine Peterson, who would become a life-long friend and her sister-in-law. She later returned to Minneapolis.

Elsie and Wallace O. (Wally) Peterson of Monticello, MN, were married on October 16, 1948, at First Covenant Church in Minneapolis by Dr. Paul Rees. They moved into a house on the Peterson farm in Monticello, and were blessed with two sons, Mark and Tom, and the joys and challenges of farm life. Elsie loved family time, and often hosted the Peterson and Swanson families for holidays when she and Wally built a new house in 1963.

Elsie worked as a bookkeeper for Swanson Ford from 1959 to 1968, and then as the Executive Secretary of Wright County State Bank in Monticello until she retired in 1988. She was an active member of the Buffalo Covenant Church for over 60 years, where she sang in the choir, taught 4th grade Sunday School for 25 years, and was active in Covenant Women’s Ministries. Elsie and Wally were also involved for many years in ministry to senior adults at Ebenezer Care Center in Buffalo, where Elsie served as treasurer of Ebenezer Friends. When they moved to the Towers in Buffalo in 1993, Elsie and Wally remained active in the church, including leadership in the Retired Friends ministry.

Elsie and Wally loved to travel, whether it was to California, Florida, or Sweden in 1994. They also cherished time spent visiting Mark and Tom and their families. Elsie lost the love of her life, Wally, on September 29, 2005, after 57 years of married life. She continued her active involvement with church and loved her family time, especially with her grandkids. Elsie moved to Lake Ridge in November 2009, where she continued to enjoy life to the fullest.

Elsie is survived by her sons: Mark (Amy) of Plymouth, MN, and Tom (Jean) of West Chicago, IL; five grandchildren: Kyle (Michele), Michelle, Krista, Becca, and Andy; one great-grandson: Liam; and one brother: John (Lois) of Palm Desert, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband Wally; brother Mel; sisters Florence, Helen, and Grace; and her parents.

Memorial Services celebrating her life were held on Monday, June 28, 2010, at Buffalo Covenant Church. Memorials can be given to the Buffalo Covenant Church.

Interment at Swedish Mission Cemetery.