Gretchen E. (Palen) Peterson

Peterson Gretchen E. Peterson (nee Palen), age 79, of Edina, on Sun., Feb. 2 at Friendship Village. Survived by her 6 children: Barbara (Rod) Burwell of Orono; Craig of Edina; Mark (Teresa) of Eden Prairie; Polly (Dan) Bowles of Edina; Todd (Jodi) of Minneapolis; Scott of London, England. "Gigi" to 10 grandsons, and 3 granddaughters. Preceded in death by husband Justice C. Donald Peterson (MN Supreme Court) and by both parents and 3 siblings. The family thanks Sheri Pierce and Dr. Mumtaz Kazim for their devoted care. Born Feb. 20, 1923 in Minneapolis and graduated from Central High School. She toured as a principal skater with the Shipsteads & Johnson Ice Follies and was their program cover girl for 3 years. Later she operated her own dance studio. Active at Christ Presbyterian Church; President of L.A.W.(Lawyers, Advocates & Wives); Director, Senior Resources; Director, 1006 Summit Avenue Society; member of the Woman's Club of Minneapolis and Territorial Pioneers and helped implement the Hennepin County Government Center volunteer tour guide program. Served as a tour guide at the Godfrey House, the restored home of her great-grandfather, Ard Godfrey, a Minnesota pioneer. Service 11:00 AM Friday at Christ Presbyterian Church (Hwy 100 and 70th St, Edina.) followed by lunch at the church and interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation 4:30-7:30 PM Thursday at Washburn-McReavy (Hwy 100 and Vernon Ave., Edina) and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials preferred to "Godfrey House Project" (c/o The Woman's Club of Minneapolis), or the "Gretchen Peterson Memorial Fund" (c/o Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina). Washburn McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on February 5, 2003