Marlene Selma Peterson, 76, of Gascoyne, ND passed away on Friday, June 21, 2013 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND. She was surrounded by family at her passing. Funeral services for Marlene will be Wednesday, June 26 at Peace Lutheran Church in Scranton, ND at 11:00 am. Pastor Mary Peterson will officiate. Burial will be at Gascoyne Cemetery following the funeral and luncheon at Peace Lutheran.




Marlene Jorgenson was born June 27, 1936 to Harold and Selma (Myhre) Jorgenson. She graduated from Bowman High School in 1954. She earned her teaching certificate from Black Hills College in Spearfish. Marlene then taught in the Whiting School for two years. Marlene did numerous types of jobs, including working for a CPA in a small family coal mine in West Virginia, as a secretary for Elmer Moorland, and as a secretary for Northwestern National Life Insurance in Minneapolis.



On October 23, 1963, Marlene married Vernon Peterson from Gascoyne, ND. They were married in the Bowman Lutheran Church. They spent 50 years together not only as husband and wife, but as best friends, sharing many memories, sites and adventures. Marlene and Vernon made their home and began their family at the farm north of Gascoyne. After a few years and the family growing, they moved to a larger home in Gascoyne where their family expanded once again. John, Eric, Owen and Kirk would provide years of adventure, motherly worries, and overall joy. She welcomed owls, raccoons, dogs and even allowed mice to be stored in her freezer and then thawed in the microwave to feed these additional guests. Marlene worked hard on the farm driving truck and tractor, but would also make sure and bring out meals and milkshakes for Vernon and the boys. She loved Vernon and her boys and put them first in everything she did.



Marlene served as the Peace Lutheran Church secretary for many years and served the City of Gascoyne as auditor/treasurer. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary. Marlene's last work that she was very passionate about was as a learning aid at Scranton Public School. She valued every student she worked with and knew their strengths and where she could help them. Marlene was a creative woman. Her skills in crafting were second to none, knitting afghans, sweaters, and stocking caps for many friends and family. She also was crafty and was known for her Valentine's Day crafts for the boys' classmates. Marlene also had a competitive spirit and enjoyed card games. During one of their first years together, Marlene bought Vernon a cribbage board and usually 2-3 games were played every morning. In fact, on Tuesday morning Marlene triple skunked Vernon one game. She played many other card games and wasn't afraid to take a dime or quarter from anyone.



Marlene and Vernon would take many trips in their '65 Mustang, including going to church at Haley, visiting and touring with friends and family, or just taking a relaxing joy ride. She enjoyed the car club activities that they were involved with. Marlene had many friends and family that she cared for very much and would visit regularly. Marlene's grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. And if she needed a grandchild "fix" she and Vernon would road trip to see them if they weren't visiting her. Marlene could often be heard telling stories of all of her grandchildren. Her laughter, hugs and kisses will be missed by them all.



Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Selma Jorgenson, an infant sister, and other siblings Letty Thompson, Myla Kalina, Harold Jorgenson, Annie Johnson, and Cleo Sabe. Surviving are her husband Vernon Peterson; sons John Peterson, Eric (Colleen) Peterson, Owen (Tammy) Peterson, and Kirk (Gretchen) Peterson; grandchildren, Nicholas, Emma, Anders, Isaac, Elena, Mia, and Annika; sisters Floy Olson and Leona Brewer, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the Badlands Ministries.