Lillian D. Peterson

Lillian D. Peterson, age 97 of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 7, 2018. Preceded in death by husband, Carl C. Peterson, parents, John and Alma Leeberg, sister Agda Anderson, brother Al Leeberg, sister Marie Leeberg, and brother Kenneth Leeberg. Survived by son, Thomas C. Peterson, daughter, Cynthia (John) Roach, and granddaughters, Elizabeth and Margaret Cook, niece Mary (Ken) Lawson, nephew John (Cathy) Leeberg, and relatives in Sweden.

Born on August 21, 1920, Lillian was the youngest daughter of Swedish immigrants. Orphaned at the age of 15, she grew up in south Minneapolis, graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1938 at South High School, and then went to secretarial college where she became a whiz at shorthand and typing. She attended Augustana Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis, where she met her husband, Carl. They became engaged just before he shipped out to the south Pacific to serve in WWII. Lillian wrote faithfully to him every single day for three years until his return. They were married in 1946.

Lillian worked as a secretary for many years while raising their two children. She worked at the State Capitol, the Augustana Synod office, Minnesota Supply Company, and the American Refugee Committee. Lillian loved to sing and was a founding member of the Minneapolis Southside Singers, in addition to singing in church choirs throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Diamond Lake Lutheran Church and later Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, whee she was very active in the Young in Heart club.

Lillian was part of the Greatest Generation and not afraid to cope with anything. She was very mission-minded, always wanting to serve and help others. She always looked for opportunities to care for others and to cheer them up, whether they were on the other side of the world or right next door.

Lillian had an unwavering faith in God and loved and followed Jesus every day of her life. One of God's brightest stars has flickered out for us, but her light shines upon us from Jesus' arms.