Mary Ann (Walters) Peterson

Mary Ann (Walters) Peterson, age 87 of Big Lake, passed away on April 30, 2019.

Mary Ann Peterson was born on April 7, 1932 in Big Lake, MN, and was the daughter of Bernie Lee and Mabel (Negus) Walters. In 1943 her family moved to Valley City, ND where she completed her education. While working at DuPont Company in Minneapolis during the 1950’s, she received a transfer to Chicago. She was the first woman in the history of DuPont to receive an all-expense paid transfer to another location. She also worked for Alfa-Laval, a Swedish centrifuge manufacturer and the US Chamber of Commerce. She was a career woman by preference, finally retiring at the age of 67.

On August 6th, 1960, she married Elmer E. Peterson, the son of Alma S. Peterson in LaGrange, IL. They then moved to Hinsdale, where they resided for 46 years. Elmer “Pete” owned and operated a men’s clothing store in Hinsdale for 34 years. They did not have children. Pete died in 2003, and in 2006, Mary Ann returned to Big Lake. She became interested in writing, and in addition to several short stories and poems, she has published five novels. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 147 as well as Saron Lutheran Church.

Mary Ann was a dreamer whose head soared among the clouds but her feet were firmly planted on the ground. Her mind was always humming with activity and she was constantly tempted to act under impulse. She enjoyed good, clean fun and was very high minded.

She is survived by four sisters, Betty Fischer, Underwood, ND, Jennie Dimmer of Albuquerque, NM, Dorothy (Bob) Erickson of Mapleton, ND and Patricia Allison of Eden Prairie, MN; two brothers, Edward Walters of Devil’s Lake, ND and Bernie Lee Jr. (Pat) of Valley City, ND; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Pete; and brothers, James, John and William.  

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at 11AM with visitation one hour prior at Saron Lutheran Church, 311 Lake Street South, Big Lake. Interment Big Lake Cemetery.

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