Dorothy Louise Gusarson Peterson

Dorothy Louise Gusarson Peterson, wife, mother, musician, Macular Degeneration and Alzheimer’s sufferer went to be with her Savior on Saturday, July 2, 2016. She was born the second daughter of Carl Oscar and Edith Johannson Gusarson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on September 5th, 1924. She went to Umea, Sweden with her family to visit her maternal grandparents at the age of 5. While there she learned to speak Swedish and had forgotten her English upon return to America. Her mother was alarmed since she was to begin Kindergarten that fall, so she provided a tutor to give her elocution lessons so she would not be mocked at school with her Swedish accent and so she could sound “American.” From that point on she spoke very clearly! She played the violin as a young child and became a child prodigy. Her father died when she was 12, and with much courage she gave her previously scheduled violin recital shortly after his death in his honor. Her family, now consisting of her mother, sisters and a younger brother moved to Orange County, California for a short time and then returned to Sioux Falls where she graduated from Washington High School.

Dorothy worked for the Railway Express Agency in Sioux Falls. She met Ellwood I. Peterson while serving the youth in the Luther League at Augustana Lutheran Church. She and Ellwood, then a seminary student, married on January 24th, 1948 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Ellwood was ordained into the Lutheran Church in America and together they served churches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lake Jackson, Texas, Rockford, Illinois and Ft. Pierce, Florida. Dorothy and Ellwood had three living children, Dean, Dana and Christine over the years, all of the children were born in the last week of September (23th, 24th and 29th). Dorothy was the consummate pastor’s wife, involved in leading women’s Bible studies, teaching the children’s choir and acting as hostess on many occasions. In Rockford, they started a mission church in their home (parsonage), where each Sunday they would have church in the basement and Sunday school in each of the rooms (yes, even the bedrooms-she faithfully cleaned the whole house each week). One fall semester, she housed a kindergarten class (Dean’s) in her basement! During her time in Rockford she taught English as a second language one on one with many students. She chose to go back to work as a secretary at Jefferson High School for over two years, unfortunately those were the years of the “streakers” which disturbed her greatly as they raced past her office window!

Shortly after moving to Fort Pierce, she started working as a secretary for Indian River Community College in the Continuing Education Dept. She worked at IRSC (formerly IRCC) for over 27 years. She dearly loved her work and her co-workers. After retirement, she worked part-time as a secretary for the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce until her Macular Degeneration prevented her from doing her job. She attended and loved all of the pastor’s at Indian River Presbyterian Church which became her church home. Dorothy was a choir and bell choir member for many years. She participated in their women’s circles including Bible studies and various activities. During this time, she and Ellwood divorced. She raised her grandson, Joshua and had Mary (granddaughter) in her home for several years as well.

She was known by her lovely smile and gracious manor. She greatly loved her children and grandchildren continuing to extend grace and love to all. Dorothy loved her plants, especially her bogenvelia which grew so large they formed a large canopy shading her porch, as well as six inch needles. Dorothy was a delight to all and adored having friends over for coffee with a sweet treat and sharing her Swedish heritage with others.
Ellwood Peterson, her parents, older sister Gertrude, younger sister Donna and younger brother Dean all proceeded her in death. She never dreamed she would live past 50 and often denied her 91 years, claiming like her mother she was forever 29!

She is survived by her son Dean Peterson, Ft. Pierce, Florida; daughter Dana Peterson, Ft. Pierce, Florida and daughter Christine (David) Bures, Warrenton, Virginia. Dorothy is also survived by her grandchildren: Joshua Elstun, Port St. Lucie, Florida; Mary Wheeler, Ft. Pierce, FL; Kenneth Bures, Warrenton, Virginia; Katie and Michelle Bures, Jacksonville, Florida; Davida Sam Peterson, New York City, New York; and Bahtya Peterson, Gainesville, Florida. In addition she is survived by her great grandchildren, Nathan and Rusty Wheeler and numerous nephews and nieces, dear friends at IRSC and especially her church family at Indian River Presbyterian Church.

Her family would like to thank Dorothy’s dear friends Ina and Suzi who visited her regularly, Dr. Boykin and the wonderful staff at Port St. Lucie Nursing and Restorative Center for their care and support during her illness.

Memorials in Dorothy’s name may be made to:
Indian River Presbyterian Church’s children’s choir and ministries so other little children can sing to the Lord.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, July 11th at noon at her home church of Indian River Presbyterian Church (2499 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34982). There will be a time of fellowship afterwards.

Dorothy loved to remind us was to always be grateful. When you wake, thank God for a new day, at midday thank God for all He has given and all He will provide in the rest of your day and when you lay down at night thank God for another beautiful day! Why? Not because life is easy, hers certainly wasn’t, but because life is better when you have an attitude of gratitude.