Lorraine Peterson

Lorraine Joyce Peterson was born on March 13, 1928, in Dell Rapids, SD to Edward and Johanna (Van Dam) Schwarz.  She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Dell Rapids, SD.

Lorraine was united in marriage to Elvin Peterson on November 22, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, SD.  The couple moved to Richfield, where they raised their five sons.  Lorraine stayed home with the boys, attending their athletic events and school activities, while creating a welcoming environment for the boys’ friends. A meticulous homemaker, Lorraine prided herself in a spotless and organized home, homemade meals for a family with large appetites, and creating seasonal charm with decorations displayed throughout the home. Lorraine patiently endured seven years of remodeling to their Richfield home, which included moving the kitchen to the basement and endless amounts of dust and dirt.

Elvin and Lorraine moved to Alexandria in November 1987, where they built a new home on the west side of Lake Carlos. Following Elvin’s death in 2008, Lorraine remained in the lake home until 2013 and then moved to the Village Co-Op independent living facility, where she remained until her passing.

Lorraine enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing cards and dancing to polka and waltzes.  She was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, listening to every game on the radio or TV (whether at home or while traveling). Both Alexandria homes had special displays of Twins memorabilia. Lorraine also loved owls and had an extensive collection of owl figurines, towels, embroidered clothing, etc.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially cherishing the camping trips and vacations they took across the United States. She will be remembered for her unselfish support to the family, her love of fun and friendship and for nurturing her boys with life skills to prepare them for adulthood.

Lorraine died on Sunday, March 24, 2019, in Alexandria at Bethany on the Lake transitional care unit, at the age of 91.  She is survived by her sons John (Sharon) of Rosemont, Dale (Lorie) of Coon Rapids, David (Peggy) of Lakeville, and Gary of Henning; grandchildren Simon (Lisha), Vanessa, John-Michael (Katy), Laura, Daniel and Autumn; great-grandchildren Nathan, Gavin, Torie, Cody, Carson, Noah, Abby, Mason and Elizabeth; brothers Dick (Mary Ellen) Schwarz of Perris, CA, and Tom (Mary) Schwarz of Sioux Falls, SD; sister Cookie Barella of Casper, WY and many cousins,  nieces and nephews.  Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Johanna, husband Elvin, son Jim, brothers Gerald and Denny and sisters Shirley, Joan and Patricia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, April 12, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria (with Parish Prayers at 5 PM) and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.