Ethel Peterson

Ethel A. Peterson, age 100, of Siren passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Frederic Nursing & Rehab on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Ethel was born on May 8, 1909 to Ernest and Mary Woodrich in St. Paul, Minnesota. When she was 3 years old her family moved to Siren and her Pa bought the Siren Feed Mill. She loved working alongside of her Pa at the feed mill. She was also Burnett County's first Queen. Contestants had to sell tickets and she sold the most. She married Roy Peterson on March 31, 1930. The couple lived in Siren their entire married lives. She worked as a clerk at the ASCS office, a government program for farmers, for over 25 years. Ethel bowled for over 50 years. She attended numerous State and National Bowling Tournaments during those years. She bowled until she was 91 years old. Her garden, flower beds, and indoor plants were proof of her green thumb. She loved nursing a dying plant back to life. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Roy in 1987, two infant daughter, son Larry; sisters Lucille Ferrigno and Mae Goodfellow; and her brothers Carl, Fred, and Ernest Woodrich. Ethel is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Rodney) Johnson; granddaughters Amy (Travis) Thiex and Marci Johnson; her great grandchildren Casey Gornason, Madison and Derek Thiex; nieces Violet Swenson, Mary Lou Moriarity, Mary Woodrich, nephews Ernie and Allan Woodrich, Darrell Ferrigno; along with other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Monday, March 22, 2010 at Bethany Lutheran Church with Pastor Andrew Hinwood officiating. Music was provided by organist, Fran McBroom and vocalists, Mark Karpe, Pete Karpe and Mike Karpe. Interment followed at Lakeview/Mudhen Lake Cemetery. Casketbearers were John Donlin, Mark Karpe, Pete Karpe, Mike Karpe, Tom Moriarity, and Travis Thiex.