Dorothy Petersen

Dorothy Jean Wallgren was born on June 25, 1929 at home in Blowers Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota.  Her parents were the late Algot and Adla (Ljungren) Wallgren.  Dorothy grew up on the family farm in Blowers Township.  She attended Country School District #220 in Blowers Township. Dorothy graduated from Sebeka High School with the class of 1947.  She then attended Bemidji State for 2 years where Dorothy earned a teaching degree.  Dorothy first taught at a rural school near Grand Forks, North Dakota and then taught for 2 years at Tolppi Country School, rural New York Mills. 

On July 10, 1952, Dorothy was united in marriage to Orin Petersen at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with 6 children.  Dorothy and Orin resided and farmed their entire lives on a farm in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills.  In 1994, Dorothy and Orin retired and sold the farm when they moved to New York Mills.  Dorothy was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was involved in LWML. She was also a New York Mills school board member for one term in the late 1960’s and also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.  Dorothy enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and fishing. Her favorite memory was getting hugs from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents; son: Gregg Petersen; daughter, Jodie Sanken; infant siblings: Carl and Clarice Wallgren; brother: Ervin Wallgren; sister: Gladys Petersen.

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Orin; daughters: Kay (Karl) Swanson of Bemidji; Kathy (Jon) Tumberg of New York Mills; Jill (Gary) Lonneman of Benson; Mary Jo (Doug) Brennan of West Fargo, North Dakota; son-in-law, Todd Sanken of Pittsville, Wisconsin; 5 grandchildren; Jared, Christopher, Sara, Jenna, and Lydia; 5 great-grandchildren: Avary, Jessa, Leona, Jace and Calvin; brother: George (Jeanette) Wallgren of Bluffton; sisters-in-law: Mag Wallgren, Jean Koehler, Lorna Pollack, Mary Anderson; brother-in-law, Argyle Paulson; many other relatives and a host of friends.  

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