Evelyn Caroline Peterson

Evelyn Peterson, 96, of Detroit Lakes, passed away of Friday, February 5, 2021 at home under the care of Hospice. Evelyn was born on November 14, 1924 to Peter and Rose (Turchin) Bitzan in Millerville, MN. She grew up on the farm and attended country school. She was united in marriage to Marvin Karger in Parkers Prairie, MN. They lived in various places before moving from Franklin, MN to Detroit Lakes with their five children. She worked as a seamstress and waitress for several years. They later divorced. On December23, 1959 she married Dale Peterson. This union brought with, Dale’s two children. Later two more children were born. They enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, hunting trips to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado with family. Evelyn worked at Swift Turkey Hatchery for many years, retiring in 1987. She loved to walk and enjoyed walking races. Starting these at age 72, she participated in races in Bemidji, Walker, Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes. Her favorite one was the North Country 10k in Walker. She held the record for the fastest woman in her age group at 81 for the 10K in the 2005 Minnesota Runner’s Yearbook. Evelyn is survived by her children: Mardy (Lynn) Karger of Bemidji, MN; Merlin (Annie) Karger of Florence, AZ; Wayne (Cindy) Karger of Lake Park, MN; Gene (Betty) Karger of Elbow Lake, MN; Sherry Karger of Detroit Lakes, MN; Debra Rethwisch of Detroit Lakes, MN and Brenda Windel of Detroit Lakes, MN. Stepchildren: Royce (Kathy) Peterson of Park Rapids, MN, and Maurice (Gail) Peterson of Cold Springs, MN. Along with twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren, sister Rita Karger of Glenwood, MN, and sister in law Laverne Bitzan of Alexandria, MN. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale (who died in 2007), her parents, brothers Richard, Leonard, Bernie and sisters, Collette, and Irma. A Private family Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 7, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Memorials may be made out to First Lutheran Foundation or Radio Fund.