Darlene Peterson

Darlene (Lee) Peterson passed away on September 18, 2020, at the age of 100, surrounded by all her children. Darlene Lee was born July 15th, 1920 in Soldier, Iowa to George Edwin and Rose Blanch (Meadows) Lee. She was the oldest of six children and grew up upon a farm raising corn, cattle and hogs. Darlene graduated from high school in 1937 and went to work for the telephone office. Later she went to college at Wayne State Teachers College at Wayne, Nebraska. In July 1940, Darlene married Joseph Peterson and moved to Thief River Falls. After struggling on a poor farm during World War II constraints, they moved to Waterloo, Iowa where Joe worked for the John Deere Tractor factory. In 1950, they moved to Cedar Falls and when the children were older Darlene went back to college at the University of Northern Iowa. She renewed her teaching certificate, became a school teacher and taught 2nd grade for 14 years. In retirement, Darlene and Joe moved onto 10-acres of woods on the banks of Red Lake River near Red Lake Falls, close to where their life began. There they enjoyed fishing on their favorite lakes, growing food in their 1-acre garden, and treating grandchildren when they came to visit. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Joe, August 2007; her sister Donna (Bierman); and her bothers, Gail, George Junior, and Bryce Lee. She is survived by her sister Colleen (Geoffrey) Lake of Soldier, Iowa; her children Roger (Sandee) Peterson of Pecatonica, IL; Bryce (Sharon) Peterson of Plymouth, MN; Diane Gerhardt of Desoto, IA; and Sidney Peterson of Maple Plain, MN; as well as 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.. Darlene was a lady of short stature, but everyone who loved her looked up to her. At this time, no services are planned for Darlene. A memorial service will be held In Thief River Falls, Minnesota at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com