Lydia M. Peterson
Lydia M. Peterson, 86, passed away Monday morning, April 29, 2024, at the Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Burial was in the Benson City Cemetery.
Lydia Martha (Gades) Peterson was born at home on the farm near Holloway, Minnesota, August 27, 1937, along with her twin brother, Lyle. She was baptized on the day she was born. She attended country school through eighth grade. She was confirmed in her faith May 27, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield, Minnesota. After her mother’s death, when Lydia was 15, she stayed home and kept house for her dad and brother. She also helped with farm work.
She married Milton (Trixie) Peterson, June 5, 1955. After they married, Trixie and Lydia lived in Benson. They lived there throughout their marriage, and Lydia continued to live there after Trixie’s death until her health declined. She spent the last year of her life at Harmony River in Hutchinson.
Lydia and Trixie were blessed with four children: Tim, Michele, Lisa, and Heidi. While her kids were growing up, Lydia babysat for others for eight years. She then worked at Fingerhut for two years before beginning a career at Breen’s Pharmacy that lasted 35-½ years until her retirement. She worked as a pharmacy technician and did any odd jobs needed at the store. Lydia was also an excellent baker. She genuinely enjoyed making donuts and rolls for the lunch counter at the pharmacy and baking for others, especially at Christmas. It is safe to say that her daughters and daughter-in-law have yet to figure out the secret to the caramel roll recipe! Lydia enjoyed her flower gardens and was an excellent seamstress. She loved the Lord and served her church, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, for many years through Altar Guild, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and participating in LWML.
As Trixie’s health began to fail, Lydia became a wonderful caregiver as well as chauffeur, transporting him to many medical appointments. After Trixie passed away, she lived independently until her failing eyesight and increased medical needs made a move to Scandi Haven Village necessary. Even then, Lydia remained as fiercely independent as was possible. She moved to Harmony River about a year ago. At her death, staff members who cared for Lydia spoke of how she had touched their lives. We as a family are so grateful for the loving care she received.
Family was so important to Lydia. She cherished visits from family and friends.
Lydia is survived by her four children: Tim (Deb) of Litchfield, MN, Michele (Greg) Mathews of Buffalo, MN, Lisa Peterson of Colorado Springs, CO, and Heidi (Jim) Johnson of Eden Prairie, MN. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Nicole Wear, Jamie (Tim) Boorse, Joseph Cottrell, Sarah (Mike) Scornavacca, Laura (Jared) Nelson, Amy (Colin) Kelley, Lindsey Engelland, Kelsey (Michael) Porter, and Cheyenne (Scott) Solberg, as well as 13 great-grandchildren.
Lydia was preceded in death by her husband Milton Peterson, as well as her parents Gust and Emma (Hoffman) Gades, and all her siblings: Ethel, Bernadine, Florence, Donna Mae, Mardell, and her twin brother Lyle.
What a reunion she is having in heaven!
Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.
