Arlys Joan Peterson

Arlys Joan Peterson Age 84, of Stillwater, formerly of Great Falls, Montana Loving Mom and Grandma With grace and strength to the end, Arlys Peterson passed away on October 26, 2015. She was born to Leslie and Renata Drager on September 20, 1931 in Long Prairie, MN. Arlys grew up in small communities throughout Minnesota and graduated with a BS degree in Education from St. Cloud State. Arlys had her first teaching job with first graders in Becker, MN. Once a teacher, always a teacher as she eventually worked for several years in the Great Falls, MT public school system and volunteered in her retirement as well. Her favorite students to read to were her grandchildren. They will remember her for that. She met and married Richard Peterson in Eveleth, MN. They were married 24 years before his passing in 1982. They made their home in Great Falls, MT with Rich’s first teaching job in Great Falls High School and then to CM Russell High School. They enjoyed many years with wonderful friends and neighbors going camping at Jefferson Creek, to the horse races during the summer months, and watching their Rustlers. Arlys enjoyed ceramics, playing bridge, bible studies and shopping. She also loved being a grandmother and spoiling her five grandchildren as all good grandmothers do. As Arlys’ health declined she moved to Stillwater, MN to be near her daughter Joan, where she resided until her death. She missed Montana to the end. Preceded in death by her husband, Richard; and parents, Leslie and Renata Drager. She leaves behind her children, Leslie (Mark) Hagenlock, Joan (Jamie) Donner; grandchildren, Kara (Adam) Byrd and Tess Hagenlock, & Ann, Amy and David Donner; great-grandchild, Blake Byrd; sisters, Carol (Larry) Spangler, and Judy Peterson, and nieces and nephew. A private family burial will take place next summer in Great Falls, MT. A special thanks to Stillwater Good Samaritan and St. Croix Hospice staff for their wonderful care and support. Memorials preferred to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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