Peterson, Deaun (1935-2013

PETERSON, SHEGGRUD, OLSON, HORNING, FRIESTH, HAINES, JOHNSON, SABIO

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 4/13/2013 at 17:12:41

Deaun Peterson
August 18, 1935 – March 15, 2013

Deaun Lee Sheggrud Peterson was born on August 18, 1935, in Fosston, Minnesota, to Harland and Evelyn (Olson) Sheggrud. Baptized at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston and confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church in Roseau, she graduated from Roseau High School in 1953. After enrolling that fall at St. Olaf College, she met Paul Peterson, the love of her life. In May, 1957, she graduated with a Degree in Christian Education.

Deaun and Paul married on April 12, 1957, in Boe Chapel at St. Olaf. They lived in the Twin Cities while Paul attended Luther Seminary and Deaun worked at the Lutheran Brotherhood. While Paul did his internship at American Lutheran Church in Huron, South Dakota, Deaun served as Christian Education Director. After Paul’s ordination, they served at Bethesda Lutheran Church (1960-1962) in Ames, Iowa, and at Trinity Lutheran Church (1962-1966) in Linn Grove, Iowa. In 1966, they moved to Northfield when Paul joined the staff at St. Olaf’s public radio station, WCAL. Deaun worked at Dittman Travel, College City Travel, and Perman’s. From 1978 until she retired in 1998, she worked in the Career Development Center at St. Olaf.

A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Deaun sang in the senior choir for forty-three years. Moreover, she served on the chancel guild among other committees. She had a pure soprano voice well suited for her periodic role as cantor in the Sunday liturgy. In the cast of over twenty productions of the Northfield Musical Theater and a member of its board, she was also able to express her love of choral singing in choirs both at St. Olaf and in Northfield.

Gifted in her ability to remember the names and talents of many St. Olaf students, Deaun was able to match them with career opportunities through the Career Development Center. Her kindness and attention to detail were renowned as was her sense of hospitality. Deaun prepared a beautiful table where she welcomed many throughout the years. With Paul, she enjoyed nine trips to Europe as well as many trips across the country.

She is survived by Paul, her husband of fifty-six years; three children: Gregory (Ann), of Decorah, Iowa, Khara (Rob) Horning, of Aspen, Colorado, and Timothy, of New York City; her granddaughters, Leah and Halle Horning; two sisters-in-law, Bea (Barney) Friesth, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Miriam (Don) Haines, of Richfield, Minnesota; and her aunt, Ione Johnson, of Fosston; as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Maureen Sabio.

Deaun passed away with her hand in Paul’s and with other family members by her side on Friday, March 15, 2013, at Reflections Care Suites in Northfield.

A Memorial Celebration of Faith and Vision will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with the Rev. Orlin Mandsager and the Rev. Bonnie Friesth Parker as participating clergy. Music will be led by Gregory Peterson, John Ferguson, and St. John’s Chorale. Interment will be in St. John’s Columbarium. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. Olaf College, Luther College, Northfield Arts Guild, Northfield Community Action Center, or Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com

Copyright © 2013, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home

Benson & Langehough Funeral Home
 

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