Thief River Falls – Thelma Peterson, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on June 4, 2023 at the age of 94.
A service to celebrate Thelma’s life was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Eric Miller officiating. Burial followed at the Viking Cemetery in Viking.
Visitation took place at the church, one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday. Luncheon followed the service.
Thelma June (Skomedal) Peterson was born on June 17, 1928 in Trail, to Thore and Julia Skomedal. She attended school in Oklee, then attended her senior year in Thief River Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1945. After high school, Thelma worked at Thief River Welding as a secretary until meeting and eventually marrying the love of her life, Gerald (Gerry) Howard Peterson, on October 17, 1953 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Trail. They lived on the family farm in Viking from 1953 and moved to Thief River Falls in 1969.
Thelma worked at Lincoln High School as a secretary in the assistant principal’s office. In that role, she interacted with hundreds of students during her 25 years. Her calm demeanor held steadfast regardless of the situation. She helped countless students in so many subtle ways. She loved that position and continued to help part-time for a few years after retiring in 1994.
After retirement, Thelma and Gerry enjoyed traveling, spending time at their Union Lake place and volunteering at the Heritage Senior Center. Thelma was a member of the Lutheran Social Service Senior Nutrition Board. They were both awarded the Volunteer of the Year award in 2004, and in 2015, were awarded 1st Place in the Volunteer Hall of Fame. Thelma was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, participating in the Ladies Circle and Trinity Troops, greeting and ushering during services. She never ceased helping other people, with her continued faithful service on the ladies prayer chain.
One highpoint for Thelma was traveling to Norway with her husband and daughter, meeting many of her cousins and other relatives, and visiting the family farm that her dad was raised on, which is still owned by the family today. They toured the beautiful fjords and even attended a family member’s funeral, all spoken in Norwegian.
Thelma celebrated her 90th birthday, in style, with her whole family, in a suite at a Minnesota Twins baseball game at Target Field. In addition to her wonderful marriage of 68 years to her true love, the light of her life has always been her family and friends. Thelma always put children, relatives, and visitors first and foremost. Her best days were visiting with family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and could hold the new babies forever. Thelma enjoyed baking, reading and planting flowers. This winter, she started petunias and marigolds from seed and just planted them in her raised flower bed two weeks ago.
Thelma is survived by two children, Gary (Annette) Peterson of Thief River Falls, and Kristy (Paul) Kelley of Mercer Island, Washington; Seven grandchildren, Gabriel Peterson (Tristan Hanson), Missi (Jeremy) Smith, Lindsay (Adam) Sjulestad, Sam (Kayla) Kofstad, Brittni (Brian Newton) Johnson, Jackson Kelley and Hannah Kelley; Ten great-grandchildren, Bryton, Blaine, Crosby, Winnie, Rosie, Sully, Evie, Leni, Aida and baby Peterson due in August; as well as several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry, her parents, her brother Kenny, and sister Evie.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at NPI, as well as the fantastic Sanford staff. A very special thank you to the Cardiac Rehab team for encouraging Thelma in her workouts at the gym for the last 2 years. She adored you all!
Memorials are suggested in honor of Thelma to the Heritage Senior Center in Thief River Falls.

A00003B2023JN14