Shirley Peterson, 78, Rock Lake, ND passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Towner County Medical Center in Cando, ND. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at 2:00 pm at United Methodist Church in Rock Lake with Pastor Bonnie Weaver officiating. Visitation will be at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation on Wednesday will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Rock Lake, ND. Casket bearers will be Billy Houle, Jeff Bjornstad, Ryan Nyquist, Jesse Mitchell, Pete Johnston and Dean Fandrich. Music will be provided by Doreen Oakland and Diane O'Brien.

Shirley Gale LaFrance was born March 17, 1936 in Rolette County to Clinton and Althea LaFrance. She attended and graduated from Perth School. She went on to Minot State Teaching School where she received her rural teaching certificate in 1955. She then taught elementary at Picton and Mylo schools. Shirley married the love of her life, Alivn Peterson on June 15, 1958 at the Rolla Presbyterian Church. The couple moved onto the Peterson farm in 1959 where they lived until 1979, when they moved to Rock Lake. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Rock Lake VFW. She enjoyed spending time camping, reading and winning at the casino.

Shirley is survived by her son Rob and her daughter Connie (Darren) Odegaard, all of Rock Lake, ND and her 3 granddaughters: Aja (Ryan Nyquist, fiancé) of Bismarck, ND, Joshlyn (Jeff Bjornstad, fiancée) of Langdon, ND and Dani Jo (Cody Hill, friend) of Fargo, ND. Other survivors include her mother Althea LaFrance, her sister Peggy (Red) Smithy, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Alvin, her father Clinton, her brother Robert, her infant sister Carol Sue and several aunts and uncles.


Condolences:

I was so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. I enjoyed my visit's with her when I was back there. I loved to tease her about shot gun rider(her lab) in the golf cart. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Betty(Sparby) Smith







Rob, Connie and family; I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I know that she is with your father and having a great time. She was very nice to me when I would talk to her. I talked with her in Fargo about a year ago and it was reall good seeing her. Rob was with her at the time. Thoughts and prayers to you all. Kristi Lee-Weyrauch







Bruce has many stories of the days he worked for you and Alvin. He really enjoyed Rob and Connie too.  We last saw Shirley at my Mom's (Agnes Johnson's) funeral.  Bruce and Aoulene







Prayers to the family. So sorry to hear about your mom's passing. We met Peg at the nursing home, sure can see Althea...(sisters and mom look so much alike). We felt bad cause we couldn't make the funeral, with work. This is a hard time for you all and only time can heal. Keep her alive in your heart, with the many stories to tell. take care and God Bless. Rhonda and Shelby