Marilyn Peterson was born July 20, 1940 in Hallock, Minn. to Elvin and Violet Lawrence where they lived until 1949 when their home burned. Elvin moved his family to North Branch the following year.

Marilyn graduated from North Branch High School in 1958. She attended St. Cloud State University and earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1962. She became a teacher of primary grades and taught 30 years, primarily at North Branch Elementary at the second grade level. Marilyn retired from full time teaching in June of 1999, but continued to substitute teach for six years through June of 2005. Marilyn truly loved teaching.

On April 30, 1965, Marilyn married Phillip Peterson of rural North Branch. To this union were born two children, Keith and Thomas Peterson. On Sept. 1, 1989, Phil passed away.

Marilyn was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church where she was an active member over the years as a Sunday School teacher, Service Unit Caller, and served many funerals.

Marilyn always had a big yard and garden. She raised and sold many flowers and vegetables at the local farmers market for many years. Marilyn was on the Green Acres Board for many years and assisted with fund raising and supporting the Green Acres Program. Marilyn was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the marching unit for many years.

Marilyn was the oldest of eight children. She is predeceased by her brother Robert Lawrence of Apple Valley in October 2004, a brother Gary and a sister Carol in childhood. She is survived by brothers and sisters Bonnie Conati of Stillwater, Minn., Myron Lawrence of North Branch, Donna Hilton of Ham Lake, Minn., and Randy Lawrence of Guy, Texas. She has many friends, nieces, nephews. She is also survived by her son Keith Peterson of Kokomo, Ind. and his wife Angela and their four children John, Hannah, Olivia, and Andrea. She also survived by her son Thomas Peterson of St. Cloud, Minn.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, North Branch. Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grandstrand Funeral Home. Burial is at St. Josephís Catholic Cemetery, North Branch.

Funeral arrangements are by Grandstrand Funeral Home, North Branch.

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