Margaret Peterson

Margaret Peterson of Grand Forks, ND, died peacefully at home on August 11, 2011, in the loving care of her family. Margaret was born on June 28, 1929, to Bertina (Satran) and Melvin Haugen in Fosston, MN, where she lived on the family farm, enjoying outdoor life, until she graduated from Fosston High School. At that time, she moved to Grand Forks, where she worked for Colburn's School Supplies, and later attended the University of North Dakota. She married Clarence Peterson on January 1, 1948, and together they raised six children and established a successful Grand Forks business, Peterson Construction Company. She was an active partner in the business, and served in many roles as she helped the company to expand. Margaret never retired from the business, where her last position was Chief Financial Officer. She is survived by her husband and all of her children: Karen, who is married to William Ruefle and resides in Rocky Point, NC; Ruthie, married to William Bracken and residing in Grapevine, TX; Linda, married to Eugene White and residing in Playa del Rey, CA; Amy, married to Steven Reznik and residing in Tallahassee, FL; Nancy, who resides in Euless, TX; and Mark, married to Rhonda (Zimmerman) and residing in Grand Forks. She is also survived by her sisters Doris, who is married to Joseph Roehrick and resides in Grand Forks, and Phyllis Clendenning, who resides in Minneapolis. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Orlin and Kermit Haugen and her sister, Bernice Ophus. Margaret enjoyed traveling, particularly to visit her daughters, and maintained homes in Bemidji, MN; Palm Desert, CA; and Grand Forks. She was an avid bridge player who taught her daughters to play the game, and enjoyed playing in local club games where she made many friends. She achieved the status of Life Master of the American Contract Bridge League, often playing with her daughters and sons-in-law. Margaret was a member of the United Lutheran Church, the Associated General Contractors, PEO, and the Sons of Norway. Margaret requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the United Lutheran Church or Altru Hospice.