Lois R. Petersen

Lois R. Petersen age 94 of Polson passed away on March 30, 2009 from natural causes. She was born June 19, 1914 in Shafer N.D. to Ruben and Netta Gorrell Oeder. As a child she moved west with her family to Nimrod MT, east of Missoula then finally to Missoula where she and her brother Bill were raised and went to school. Lois graduated from Missoula County High School in 1933. Although she married Arthur E. Petersen in Deer Lodge MT in 1934, they resided in Missoula. During WWII while Dad was in the Philippines Mom worked at the Missoula Mercantile and later at JC Penney. Lois was a member of the Orchard Homes Country Life Club in Missoula, the Masumola Women's Club in Polson and the First Baptist Church of Polson. She loved reading, enjoyed knitting, camping and traveling. Mom wrote the following life story for the 50th Anniversary of her high school graduation ' the first time her class had a reunion. 'I've had a good share of happiness and some sorrow too. Arthur E. Petersen and I were married and raised three children. I have six grandchildren that I enjoy very much. We both enjoyed the outdoors and spent much time at Flathead Lake with my parents. We also traveled various other parts of the country. In 1966, a new experience, we moved to Puyallup, Washington and lived there for seven years. When my husband passed away in 1973, I moved back to Polson. My friend, Beth Olson, also a widow, and I are now taking the trips around this beautiful country of ours that we and our husbands had planned to take when we were retired. We have traveled much of the United States and found there is no place like home.' Since writing that, Mom became a Great Grandmother to 11. She loved her family and always lit up when the grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit. Her parents, husband and two brothers preceded Lois in death. She is survived by her children, Roger (Robin) Petersen, Henderson, NV, Karen (Ken) Smith, Kathie (Tom) Newgard both of Polson and grand children, Kirsten Petersen, Jay (Cindy) Petersen, Heather Smith, Kellie Smith, Tara (Steve) Carvey and Kory (Tiffany) Newgard. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm in the First Baptist church with Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Inurnment will take place on Monday April 20, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Missoula City cemetery. Memorials may be made in Lois's name to the Polson City Library, Mission Valley Animal Shelter or the donor's choice. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Read Lois Petersen's Obituary and Guestbook.