Vera Peterson

Vera Matteson Peterson was born to DeVilla and Letticia (Nelson) on November 25, 1909 in Appleton. She passed away on January 30, 2006 at the age of 96 years. She was a resident of the West Wind Village in Morris at the time of her death.



Vera received her education in the Appleton school, where she graduated on June 3, 1927 in a class of 33 students. Vera's first job was as a waitress at the St. James Motel. Her second job was also as a waitress in Appleton.



At the age of 23 or 24, Vera met the man who would later become her husband, Gus Peterson. Gus was a mechanic in the same garage that Vera's brother-in-law worked and his name was also Gus. Vera and Gus were married on October 16, 1933 in Milbank, South Dakota. Vera said this was "the best decision" of her life. They were happily married for 51 years.



Vera spent many years of her life taking care of people. For ten years she took care of her mother, who was bedridden and she also took her sister and brother-in-law into her home to care for them. Vera also enjoyed child care. She did babysitting for families in Morris, caring for 28 children. Many of these children have remained friends of hers all her life.



Vera was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents, her husband: Gus and three sisters: Ella Gould, Zula Harstad and Francis Matteson. She is survived by two nephews: Bruce Harstad of Alexandria and Gary Gould of Detroit Lakes; three great-nieces and two great-nephews

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.