Lavonne Peterson

Donna "Lavonne" Peterson, 87 of Alexandria, passed away at her home at Edgewood Assisted Living on Monday, December 2, 2025. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12, 2025 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria beginning at 1:00 PM, with public visitation one hour prior to services. A private family burial will take place at Solem Cemetery in rural Kensington following a funeral luncheon at the funeral home.

Lavonne was born on June 10, 1938 on the family farm, near Garfield, MN. Her parents were Clifford and Minnie (Middleton) Anderson. Lavonne was raised there along with her siblings: Alden, Russel, Dolores, Clinton and Robert. Lavonne was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She attended LaGrand county school and later Central High School. Lavonne worked as a nurse’s aide at St Lukes and Douglas County Hospital. She later provided private care.

On May 15, 1960, Lavonne married the love of her life, Clifford J Peterson in Walker, MN. To this union 3 children were born: Clifton, Debbie and Sheri.

Lavonne was a loving wife, mom, grandma and great grandma. She loved visiting her kids’ homes and attending special events and parties of her grandchildren’s. She was always helping others, often first to bring a hot dish. She cherished visits from friends and family, always treating candy and goodies. “Oh, have another one, Mercy”. She was a good sport and liked to tease and play jokes on others, although she grinned ear to ear and could never get away with anything.

Lavonne lover her and Cliff’s home on Firemen’s Lodge Road were she lived for 60 years. She had some very special neighbors who were always keeping an eye out to offer a helping hand.

Lavonne moved to Edgewood in the spring of 2021. She told several people “if you can’t be in your own home, this is the next best place.”

Lavonne passed away on December 2nd at Edgewood with family by her side. She now is truly in a better place. There to meet her in heaven is her husband, parents and her 5 siblings and several nieces and nephews.

Left to cherish Lavonne’s memory are her children: Clifton (Debbie) Peterson of White Bear Lake, Debbie Reller of Sunburg, Sheri (Dennis) Ruehle of South Haven; grandchildren: Katie (David) Peterson, Kelsey Peterson, Jami (Hayden) Tanner, Kelly (Nathan) Keith, Joe (Morgan) Reller, Paige (Quinten) Berres, Alexa Ruehle; great-grandsons, Gentry and Declan; along with many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to make a special thank you to the loving staff and family at Edgewood.

Memorials preferred to the First Lutheran Church Sunday Morning radio broadcast (online here, or by mailing a check to: First Lutheran Church, 1655 18th Ave E, Alexandria, MN 56308)

or to Solem Church Cemetery Fund.