Lucille Mattson Peterson (Lu) was born June 22, 1922 to the union of Frank and Bertha Mattson. She was raised in a log home on West Rush Lake near Rush Point and Rush City, Minn, where her parents farmed and operated Mattsonís Resort.

She had a brother, Archie and a sister, Florena (Fler) Aldrich (Earl). Lu described a comfortable childhood despite the Great Depression, especially since her family was fairly self-sufficient. She walked greater than two miles to the one room school.

Lu met her future husband, Carlton Peterson, when his family vacationed at Mattsonís Resort.

They married on Dec. 21, 1941 and moved to his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa. Following World War II they raised four children; Milo, Jerry, Sheila Lee and Candace Larson.

Lu was active in the Free Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a den mother for Boy Scouts, Girl Scout leader, firefighterís auxiliary member, YWCA Board member, Christian Womenís Club board member, and a Bible study group member.

This organized, meticulous homemaker excelled at cooking, baking, entertaining, sewing, flower arranging, furniture upholstering and refinishing, and socializing with neighbors and friends.

She quietly reached out to people in need, offering
loving encouragement. Her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much joy to her life. Daughters, nieces, and friends called upon Lu to organize or assist with weddings. She sewed gowns for brides, bridal attendants and flower girls.

She baked and decorated wedding cakes and made the corsages, arranged the flowers, created pew bows and decorated the candles. Then sheíd provide the key for the honeymoon in a cabin on Rush Lake in Minnesota! She put the extra special twist, charm and glitter on most everything she touched.

Upon Carltonís retirement
(he was a firefighter) in the summer of 1976, they returned to the Rush Point area, and assumed responsibility for Mattsonís Resort. They were active members of
Rush City Baptist Church.

Carlton died during 1993, and many reached out to fill the void.

Lu Peterson dedicated and devoted much of her life to her family ñ four kids, grandkids, extended family, neighbors and friends. She was a friend and neighbor to all. She was always a woman rich in spirit and spunk, and usually ahead of her time. She frequently asked a blessing on her children, grandchildren and other loved ones. She
was firm and fair.

Even during the late-stages of Alzheimerís disease, when asked how she would like to spend her day, she responded, ìHelping others!î In later years her body and mind were not as strong as they were, however she continued to persevere. She saw the bright spots in life and praised God that she and her loved ones were so ìrichly blessed.î

Often she showed her true colors in deeds more than words. She worked hard and fast and made time for pleasure, fun, and assistance to others.

She taught us the importance of community and caring for neighbors. She involved those alone for holiday meals with our extended family, and delivered food to shut-ins. She also included the pastor and his wife and children as they had no other family in the area.

She frequently gave of her-self and her time to help neighbors and those in need. She invited the great aunts to pack up and visit for a weekend, and assisted the relatives in long-term care.

Survivors include: two sons, Milo of Waterloo, Iowa and Jerry (Dee) of Grand Marais, Minn.; two daughters, Sheila (Dr. Frank) Lee of Pueblo, Colo., and Candace (Steve) Larson of Isanti, Minn.; grandchildren: Angela (Brian) Buchholz, Lance Peterson, Stacey (Jes) Cisneros, Sara (Tim) Groen, Meredith Miller,
and Ryan Larson. Great- grandchildren: Shawn, Shane and Jamie Buchholz, Sydnie and Gabe Peterson, and Andy and Ellie Groen.

Lu died peacefully at Grandview Christian Home in Cambridge on May 9, 2006.

She received excellent care from the staff and also from Fairview Hospice of Princeton.
Lu especially appreciated visits
from loved ones during the final weeks of her life.

Services were held at l p.m. Friday, May 12, at Rush City Baptist Church, with burial in Calvary Lutheran Northview Cemetery, both in Rush City. Friends and relatives were welcomed at Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City on Thursday evening and before the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Rush City Baptist Church, Rush City, Minn. or Grandview Christian Ministries of Cambridge, Minn. 55008.

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