Irma Peterson

1933-2019

Irma (Vanden Eykel) Peterson, 85, of Akeley, Minnesota passed away January 8, 2019 at CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids with family by her side.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, January 11 at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Nevis. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 12 at the White Oak Bible Church south of Akeley, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

She was born August 17, 1933 to Martin and Shirley (Clark) Gack at home in Akeley. Irma attended country school in the area and eventually graduated with the class of 1951 from Akeley High School.

One June 23, 1951 Irma married Roger Vanden Eykel and together raised their eight children on the family farm. Irma was a hardworking and loving mother on the farm and also enjoyed working many years for the Woodrest Nursing home in Walker. Later in life, on March 27, 2010, Irma was joined in marriage to George Peterson.

Irma enjoyed making, collecting and dressing dolls. She could sew any outfit for them and had quite the collection. Crocheting and sewing were dear hobbies for her, especially making rugs for anyone who needed them! From her children, grandkids, friends and relatives, there are hundreds of handmade rugs out there, which she made with pride. Love for her family was unconditional throughout her life, from the weekly trips to Park Rapids with her eight children piled in the car, to pulling the grandkids behind the snowmobile, Irma loved and supported her family with every breath she took. Her legacy of hard work has been passed down through the generations, and will be remembered for the years to come.

She is survived by her husband, George; children: Molly (Frank) Lang, Betty (Greg) Berge, Terry (Denise) Vanden Eykel, Wally (Renee) Vanden Eykel, Debby (Vern) Gallegos, Tammy (Ron) Hughes, Conny Vanden Eykel, and Kelly (Kristin) Vanden Eykel; step-sons: James (Sue) Peterson, and John (Debbie) Peterson; over 110 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Burton (Jean) Gack, Shirley Folwick, Myron (Fran) Gack and Meri (Larry) Mengis; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents and first husband, Roger in 2003.

Cease Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be left at www.ceasefuneralhome.com.