Evelyn Petersen

Evelyn Mae Petersen was born in Alexandria, Minnesota on May 1, 1925 to Fred and Mary (Zaviska) Schwartz.  She attended and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1943. Following her schooling, Evelyn moved to Minneapolis for a short time before returning to Alexandria.  She worked for Powers Department Store as an administrative assistant and as an operator for the Alexandria telephone company.  On February 9, 1946, Evelyn was united in marriage to Arthur “Clyde” Petersen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN.  In 1951 the couple moved to Columbia Heights for work opportunities.  The couple raised their family and stayed in the area until Clyde retired in 1978. They moved to back to Alexandria and built a home on Lake Ida. Clyde passed away on July 30, 2003, and Evelyn stayed in the area until 2011 when she moved to New Brighton to be closer to her family.

Evelyn had a passion for flowers and loved to garden. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, especially creating her own recipes. Evelyn loved to decorate and had a knack for finding a bargain wherever she shopped.

Evelyn was strong in her faith being a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, when she lived in Alexandria, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia Heights, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton.

Evelyn passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Brightondale Assisted Living in New Brighton, MN.

Evelyn is survived by her three children: Dan (Dianne) Petersen of Port Charlotte, FL, Charlotte (Lyle Watne) Kroska of Alexandria, and Jeanne (Joel) Andrychowicz of Lino Lakes; five grandchildren: Vicki (Steve) Nims, Mark (Kim) Petersen, Joel Jr. (Amy) Andrychowicz, Noelle (Patrick Butler) Andrychowicz, and Michelle Christenson; and seven great-grandchildren: Derick and Mia Petersen, Gina and Mackenzie Nims, Owen and Ethan Christenson.  She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and great-grandson: Tyler Nims.

A private committal service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date. More specific details are pending COVID-19 restrictions.