Zola M. Peterson, 95, of Jamestown, ND, formerly of Minnewaukan and Devils Lake, died early Sunday, February 22, 2009, at Ave Maria Village in Jamestown.   Funeral services will be Friday, March 13th, 2009,  1:00 PM at Trinity Free Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan with Pastor Luther Mathison officiating and the eulogy from her son, Wayne Peterson.  Burial will be in the church cemetery later in the spring.  The active and honorary casket bearers will be Zola's grandchildren.  Active bearers:  Kent Miller,  Bruce Miller,  Barry Miller,  Alan Peterson,  Linda Zaleski,  Colleen Loerzel,  Lloyd Loerzel  and Josiah Miller.  Honorary bearers:  Scott Freeman,  Shelly Sanders,  Mark Peterson and Edi Colletti.  Music for the service will be from Claudette Carlson, soloist with Lori Miller, pianist.  Visitation will be at the church an hour before the funeral. The Nelson Funeral Home of Minnewaukan is in charge of the arrangements.

Zola Maud (Kelts) Peterson was born March 20, 1913 at Hesper, ND to Homer and Maud (Camp) Kelts.  She was educated at the Hesper School and graduated in 1929 from the Benson County Agricultural and Training School at Maddock.  Zola married Floyd Peterson on April 2, 1931 at Hesper, ND.  They worked for a time on farms near Maddock, Hesper and Fillmore and then farmed near Leeds, Fillmore and Harlow.  In 1948, the family moved to Brinsmade and in December of 1949, they moved to Minnewaukan, where Zola worked as one of the cooks at the school.  The couple then moved to Devils Lake where both worked at Heartland Care Center.  They returned to Minnewaukan in 1968 and moved to Jamestown in 1984.  Floyd died July 29th, 1991.

Zola was a charter member of Trinity Free Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid in Minnewaukan.  She taught Sunday School and served as the church pianist in Brinsmade and Minnewaukan.  Zola was also a longtime member of the Gideons International.   She is fondly remembered for being a "Mom", always there for her family!  They especially remember the home baked goodies and meals waiting for them.  Zola was a gracious hostess to her many friends.  In just minutes, she could have a meal prepared.

Surviving are her children:  Lester Peterson of Jamestown, ND,  Joy Miller of Shakopee, MN,  Wayne (Mildred) Peterson of Pueblo, CO and Doreen Freeman of  Dalton Garden, ID;  10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her parents;  sisters:  Ruth Freeman, June Schloss and an infant sister;  a daughter-in-law:  Carol Peterson and sons-in-law:  Robert Miller and David Freeman.

Memorials are preferred to the Gideons International or the Minnewaukan Cemetery.





Condolences:

May the Lord's comfort and peace be with you. We have many good memories of Floyd and Zola, their kindness, love for the Lord, and hospitality will always be treasured.
Pastor Tim Skramstad

Sorry to hear about Zola's passing. My prayers are with Les and the rest of your family as you go through this difficult time.  Debbie (Anderson) Bakken

I had the pleasure of working with you mom at Rock of Ages, she was a joy to work with. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Justine Hanneman

Miss you grandma.  I love you. Linda Zaleski