Dorothy Mae Peterson 1926 - 2022

PETERSON, ELLER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/23/2022 at 00:36:46

Sioux City Journal
7 August 2022

Sioux City

Dorothy M. Peterson, 96, of Sioux City passed away Monday, Aug. 1, 2022.

Private graveside services will be held. Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel is assisting the family with services.

Dorothy Mae Peterson (Eller) was born on Jan. 15, 1926, to Raleigh and Agnes Eller on their farm in an area near Sloan, Iowa. From an early age Dorothy showed herself to be an able student, and from her gifted mother she learned the ways of a country kitchen, the art of needlework, and a solid work ethic. She entered the University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls and graduated with a degree in Education. Her first teaching position distinguished her as the schoolmarm of a one-room eight grade schoolhouse near Castana, Iowa.

She married William Randall Peterson in 1950 and settled in Dell Rapids, S.D., where their first son was born in 1952. A second son was born in 1957 while the family lived in Manson, Iowa, and they moved to Sioux City in 1960. While in Sioux City, Dorothy served as a substitute teacher, taught Sunday School, and in time became a cashier at the Soo Thrifty drug store on Pierce Street. She continued at Soo Thrifty for 26 years, earning many dear and enduring friends. She retired in 1998.

Dorothy is survived by two sons, Mark, currently living in Ohio, and Curt, who divides his time between Wisconsin and California; a grandson; two great-grandchildren; and Debbie Wisnieski (Headid), her dear friend and phenomenally devoted caregiver.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Crescent Park United Methodist Church of Sioux City.