Wava M Peterson

Wava Marie Peterson, 97, Bismarck, passed away May 7, 2016, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck. Private interment was held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck, and memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 21, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Rebecca Aardahl officiating. Wava’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for their exceptional care of Wava. Wava was raised in the Mott, ND, area until her family moved to Mandan. She married Melvin (Scoop) Peterson in 1938, built and lived in a basement home until a small house was placed on top of it. Wava lived in that home 76 years. Wava’s family had all moved to Seattle, WA, but Scoop and Wava decided to stay in North Dakota. Together they raised three children, Velette, Monte, and Bruce. Wava was an expert homemaker; gardening, raising chickens, canning, cooking, and hanging out laundry even in the winter. She was a very supporter of her family’s interests, from her husband’s love of softball, to her children’s sports, scouts, and music. Wava, herself was an active worker in the local and the state PTA. Wava loved people and was a great conversationalist. Everyone knew the coffee pot was always on at her house. After being suddenly widowed at a young age, Wava began work as a secretary at Saxvik Elementary School. She enjoyed the interaction with families and the involvement in the education community for 24 years. Wava was a long-time member of McCabe United Methodist Church. Wava’s family is very grateful for the continued care and companionship of Virgil Broehl, which permitted Wava to stay in her own home until recently. Wava is survived by her daughter, Velette (Bill) Svenkesen, MI; her sons, Monte (Pat) Peterson, CO, and Dr. Bruce (Susan) Peterson, IL; Virgil Broehl; her six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Wava was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one sister; two brothers; and one great-grandson. Wava’s children and grandchildren were always amazed that so many people knew Wava through her work, her friendship, or through her lively conversation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bismarck Public Schools Foundation to continue Wava’s legacy to the Bismarck community.