Beverly Ann (Olson) Peterson

Beverly Ann Olson Peterson, of Billings, went to her heavenly home on July 10, 2024.  She was 93.

Beverly was born on June 21, 1931 in rural Grassland, North Dakota, to Arthur and Agnes (Nore) Olson. She was raised in Mohall, North Dakota.; Portland, Oregon; and Havre. Beverly graduated from Havre High School in 1949. She married Dennis Peterson, “the love of her life,” on July 1, 1951, at First Lutheran Church in Havre.

Beverly enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and others. During her life, Beverly drew on her strong will and her abiding love and faith in Jesus Christ.

Beverly was very active in her church, American Lutheran Church. She was elected president of the ALCW and held that office at the District and Region level. Beverly served as the church council president, Administrator during a year of transition and as church secretary. She was elected the Vice President of the Montana Synod of the ELCA in 1991 to 2003, and served on a board of the national church. Beverly served as interim administrator for St. John Lutheran Home in Billings and President of the St. John Board. These experiences took her many places and she was privileged to meet and work with wonderful people.

She is survived by her son, Paul Peterson and wife, Deborah, of Leesville, South Carolina; daughter, Diane Niezwaag and husband, Pr. Dennis, of Charles City, Iowa; grandchildren Derek Peterson (Peggy) of Portage, Michigan; Aaron Niezwaag (Julie) of Delafield, Wisconsin; Dr. Krista Niezwaag of Tucson, Arizona; Leah Niezwaag (Brian Wiley); great-grandchildren Anna, Jacob and Danny Niezwaag, and Oliver and Leo Wiley.  She loved them dearly and was very proud of them  Also surviving her is a sister, Margelaine Matzke of Havre; several cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her parents-in-law, Benjamin Alvin and Ellen Amelia Asplund Peterson of Duluth, Minnesota; brothers Larry Olson and Gary Olson of Havre, Marlan Olson of Malta; her loving husband, Dennis, in 2000; and her beloved sister, Emma Davis of Lovell, Wyoming.

A family graveside service was held and officiated by Pastor Tim Tostengard of American Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be directed to American Lutheran Church in Billings. Condolences may be sent to Diane Niezwaag, 1896 Gilbert Street, Charles City, IA 50616.