Mercedes Peterson

Mercedes Peterson, age 103, of Willmar, died Friday morning, March 10, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.
Funeral services be held at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, March 15, at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake in rural New London. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Tuesday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. (www.petersonbrothers.com)
Anna Mercedes Christine Peterson was born on May 31, 1913 on the family farm in Lake Andrew Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the daughter of Anna Caroline (Thorson) and Emil Victor Peterson. She grew up on the family farm and attended District 108 country school. She was baptized and confirmed at the family church. After her mother's death in 1928, she helped around the farm and helped raise the younger children. She worked as a nanny for surrounding farms for a time and when she turned 18, she worked as a housekeeper at a hotel where she got room and board and a little spending money. During her life she worked several jobs in Willmar, including Purity Castle, downtown bowling alley, Meat Center, Quick Stop and Timbers Restaurant. During the late 1960's she owned and operated the restaurant at Harry's Corner. She operated the restaurant for about 1 year before selling it due to health reasons. She moved into the Bethesda Homes in 2010 and has been a resident since then. She was a member of First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake. Mercedes loved visiting and being with family and friends.
Mercedes is survived by five nieces; Nancy Brandt Salmi of Grand Rapids, Mary (and Roger) Jeseritz of Kerkhoven, Lorna Peterson of Willmar, Helen (and Steve) Gronli of Spicer and Betty (and Larry) Liveringhouse of Spring, Texas and two nephews; Richard (and Mona) Peterson of Luverne and Jim Bengtson of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Earl and Ernest Peterson and four sisters; Viola Peterson, Florence Peterson, Eunice Bengtson and Fern Ristow.

Cemetery Details