Peterson, Delores Louise

Delores (Dee) Peterson passed away on June 30, 2023 at Meramec Bluffs Senior Living Community with family by her side.

Born on December 13, 1926 to Robert and Emma Fehlbaum (nee Heitz).  Delores was the youngest sibling of Edward Fehlbaum, Oliver Fehlbaum, Florence Sexton, and Marie Hagemann.  Beloved wife of the late Roy J. Peterson and the late Paul McAllister; cherished mother of Marcia (Robert) Brunner, Linda (Robert Shelton) Peterson, and J. Scott (Irene) Peterson; loving step mother of Mary (Lloyd Van Winkel) Wood and James McAllister; loving grandmother of Michael Brunner, Rebecca (Chris) Nashan, Keri (Steve) Pogue, Zachary (Jessica) Peterson, Evan Peterson and Drew Peterson; great grandmother of Hayden and Clayton Brunner, Emma, Ethan, and Addie Pogue, Alex and Ezra Nashan, and Greyson Peterson.

Delores embraced her 96 years with love of her family, her church and her community.  Born in St. Louis, the last of 5 children, she enjoyed a close relationship with her siblings throughout her life.  “Family is everything” was her mantra – a value that she passed on to her own children and grandchildren.  She worked as a secretary in the Lindbergh School District for many years, then embraced travel after retirement.  From Australia to South Africa, China to Europe, she was fascinated by the people and cultures of the world.  She was an active volunteer at the St. Louis Zoo, the Fox Theater and was an election worker for many years. She was a long time member at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Mehlville.   During her 9 years at Meramec Bluffs Senior Living Community, she was an “energizer bunny”, regularly participating in card games, rummycube, and shuffleboard as well as van trips throughout the city.   With a smile on her face and positive attitude, Delores made friends easily and always reached out to welcome people.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, July 6, at 3:00 in the chapel of Meramec Bluffs.  A funeral service will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ (11333 St. John Church Road) on August 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM

We sincerely thank Lutheran Senior Services Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided Delores and her family.  In lieu of flowers, the family that has asked that donations be sent to St. John’s United Church of Christ (Mehlville) or LSS Hospice.