Thora M. Peterson, age 84 of Blooming Prairie, Minn., died at Three Links Care Center in Northfield, Minn., Feb. 5, 2009. 
Thora was born Sept. 18, 1924 to Christian and Hannah Reinertson in Valders, Wis. where she grew up and graduated from high school.  She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield from 1942 until 1948, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. 
She married Allan C. Peterson on Sept. 5, 1948 in Valders, Wis.  They made their home in Blooming Prairie, Minn. until 1950, when they moved to Chicago where Thora was a social worker. They returned to Blooming Prairie in 1957. 
Besides her duties as a homemaker, Thora’s volunteer work included the Eastern Star, Board of Directors at Prairie Manor, Girl Scout leader and PTA. A member of First Lutheran Church, she was the first woman deacon, ran the Sunday School program and was active in Circle.  She moved to Minocqua, Wis. in 1995. In 2000 she moved to Northfield. She enjoyed playing bridge and loved her grandchildren.
Survivors include daughter: Peggy (Kelly) Fiebiger, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; son: Robert (Sue) Peterson, Northfield; six grandchildren: Nikki, John, Clara, Elisabeth, Becky and Brandon; three great grandchildren: Braedon, Ben and Emma; brother, Harold (Betty) Reinertson of Lac Du Flambeau, Wis.; sisters: Carol Kennedy, Green Valley, Ariz.; Betty Williams, Rochester; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hannah and Christian Reinerton; her husband, Allan and one brother, Ole.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Karl Korbel officiating.  Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m., Monday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie.  The family prefers memorials to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.  Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.