Eva Peterson

Eva Marie "Evie" (Taylor) Peterson, age 83, of Pine River, MN, died peacefully Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. She was born on May 14, 1931, at Renville Hospital, Olivia, MN, to Ralph W. and Oma L. Taylor, and had five brothers and one sister.

As a young girl on the farm in Olivia, Eva was in charge of the chickens-a job she hated-but she loved being outside more than in, so accepted her fate. During high school, tumbling was her sport of choice. She was voted homecoming queen at her school and dubbed "the most beautiful gal in town."

As a young woman, Eva attended college at St. Cloud State University and went on to work for Cargill as a dispatcher, then as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. On August 1, 1958, Eva married Howard Duane Peterson at Minnehaha United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. Howard and Eva have three children: Scott Howard, Avalon "Loni" Jean and Kim Marie.

After moving to the Pine River area from the twin cities to raise their family, Eva, along with two sisters-in-law, bought and operated the Swanburg Store. Following that business venture, Eva enjoyed many, many years working at Silbaugh's Department Store in Pine River in the fabric department-a job she loved.

Eva enjoyed bowling, water skiing sewing, baking and loved participating in church choir and the Faith Lutheran Church women's circle. She will be remembered for her love for all holidays and her Halloween costumes for the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, but Eva's greatest joy always was in family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and was like a second mom to many.

Eva is survived by her husband, Howard, with whom she celebrated 56 years of marriage on August 1; son, Scott (Kathy); daughters, Loni Porta (Allan), Kim Johnson; six grandchildren: Brittany, Tyler, Tanner, Dallas, Molly, and Megan; sister, Katherine Shaw (Gilbert); brothers: Ralph Taylor (Carole), Donald Taylor (Beverly), Dennis Taylor (Vonnie), and Jerry Taylor (Phyllis); and many nieces and nephews.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Bob Taylor.

How are you doing, Evie? "Well, I can't complain!"

Services will be 2 PM on Monday, August 18, at Faith Lutheran Church, Swanburg. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.