Deloris “Dee” Petersen, 87, of Park Rapids, Minn., formerly of Austin, Minn., died Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 at Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting, Iowa

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa.

Deloris Clarine was born Jan. 3, 1927, in Hayward, Minn., the daughter of Harvey and Agnes (Jensen) Heegard. She was raised in Albert Lea, Minn., where she graduated from High School in 1945.

Deloris and Howard Petersen were united in marriage on Sept. 15, 1946 in Albert Lea. To this union two sons were born, Steven and Kent. The family lived in Austin from 1951 until 1987, where she owned “The Windfall” gift shop. They have lived in Park Rapids, Minn., since 1987.

Dee and Howard helped found the Fifth Crow Wing Lake Association, and she also wrote the “Wild Side” column for the association’s news letter. She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Dee loved being creative and enjoyed doing crafts and handiwork. She was an amazing artist. Dee also loved nature and going to casinos.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Howard, of Park Rapids, Minn.; two sons, Steven (Mary) Petersen, of Bend, Ore.; and Kent (Eileen) Petersen, of Sloan, Iowa; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lois (Roger) Bailey, of Glenville, Minn.; and Jeanette Godtland, of Albert Lea.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Agnes; brother, Luverne; twin brother, Darrel; and sister, Marilyn Amerson.

Memorials may be directed in Dee’s memory to Headwaters Animal Shelter, 901 Western Ave. S., Park Rapids, MN 56470.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.rushfamilycareservice.com.