LaVerne Martha Peterson (88), of Cokato, Minnesota passed peacefully into heaven in the early morning of Saturday, August 15, 2020. She was surrounded by her husband Orville and their children at home.
Arrangements celebrating LaVerne’s life are being made through Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato. Family, friends, and neighbors are invited to join a time of visitation on Friday, August 21, from 5-8 pm at the Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato. There will be a Memorial Celebration Service at First Baptist Church in Cokato on Saturday, August 22. Viewing will begin at 10 am with the Celebration of LaVerne’s Life starting at 11 am. Burial will be at the Stockholm Lutheran Church cemetery. A light lunch will be served and a time of fellowship will follow in the First Baptist Church reception hall.
LaVerne was born on November 21, 1931, six miles north of Cokato, in the farm house of her parents, Albert and Martha Johnson. She was the youngest and only daughter with two older brothers, Donald and Russell. After graduating from Cokato High School, LaVerne married the love of her life, Orville Peterson on December 17, 1949. They made their lifetime residence on Orville’s family farm six miles south of Cokato. The following November they welcomed their first child. This was the beginning of establishing their family with seven children: Larry, Jane, David, James, Gina, Joel, and Mari.
Early in their marriage, LaVerne faithfully served her family, raising their children at home. During this same time, she pursued a nursing career to become an LPN, graduating in 1961 from the Litchfield Hospital LPN Program. After graduation, she worked for several years in the Dassel Clinic. Serving her family and her church family were always the center of her life. She was a member of First Baptist Church and through the years was frequently seen playing the piano, singing, accompanying vocalists and Orville on his musical saw. Her love of God, her family and her community were always a priority and she thrived in hospitality. Whether you knew LaVerne your entire life, or just met her, she always made you feel like family. She is known for making the best animal shaped pancakes, giving the perfect back scratch, serenading people with music, always remembering your favorite cake to make for your birthday and greeting you at the door to invite you in for a meal or a sandwich. In her free time she loved gardening, fishing and travel. In retirement years, LaVerne and Orv traveled throughout the United States visiting family. Overseas travel included a trip to Europe, a Carribbean cruise and a memorable trip to the Holy Land and Mediterranean in 1977
LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Martha; her two brothers, Donald and Russell; sisters-in-law, Lorraine and Betty; nephew, Carmen; and great grandson, Regan.
She is survived by her husband Orville, her children and their spouses: Larry (Sue) Peterson, Jane (Dwight) Dahlman, David (Pam) Peterson, James (Sue) Peterson, Gina (Steve) Gahnz, Joel (Carrie) Peterson, Mari (Larry) Okoro, 26 grand-children, and 26 great grand-children.