Clara L. Peterson, 89, of Mitchell, SD died Tuesday August 25, 2009 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday at the Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Clara Luciel Torgerson, daughter of Charley and Emma (Tuen) Torgerson, was born August 31, 1919 in Irene, SD. At the age of eight she moved with her parents to a farm Northeast of Forestburg, SD.

Clara was united in marriage with Kenneth Peterson on December 4, 1938 in Woonsocket, SD. The couple farmed in the Forestburg area until his death in June of 1977. Clara remained on the farm until September of 1979 when she moved to Mitchell and continued to live here until her death.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of the Forestburg Lutheran Church, and served as President of the ALCW for several years. She became a member of First Lutheran Church upon moving to Mitchell and transferred to Resurrection Lutheran Church in 2002.

Clara was a member of the Senior Citizens Center where she served as secretary for ten years, during which time she spent many hours as a volunteer and also served as secretary for AARP. She had a stroke in 2006 and resided at Avera Brady Health and Rehab.until her death.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children Karen Andernacht and husband Marlin of Lennox, SD, Kathleen Peterson of Forestburg, SD and daughter in law Judy Peterson of Muncie, IN; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sister Lila Anderson of Mitchell, SD and sisters in laws, Irene Torgerson and Rachel Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Charles, three premature sons, one grandson Kevin, one brother John and one sister Thora Lien.