Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Nels Ingvald Peterson Memorial
Nels Ingvald Peterson Memorial

Nels Ingvald Peterson

Nels Ingvald Peterson

Tuesday, December 27th, 2022

Nels Ingvald Peterson, 95, of Burlington, Washington passed away December 27, 2022, in the home that he built with his family by his side.

Born April 4, 1927, in Pickardville, North Dakota, he was the son of Anders and Josephine (Moskvil) Peterson.  He grew up on the family farm in Sheridan County and attended Pickard School #2, through the 8th grade.  Nels was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mercer, ND.

In May of 1945, he entered the United States Navy and served in World War II until August of 1946, when he was honorably discharged and returned home to farm with his father.  He later reenlisted in the Navy from April of 1950 through February of 1952, serving in the Korean War.

In 1949, he met his future wife in Seattle, and on September 25, 1953, was united in marriage to Bernice in Bismarck, North Dakota.  The couple then made their home in the Skagit Valley in 1954.  They were married for 55 years.

For many years, he was employed as a truck driver, working various jobs throughout Skagit County before retiring in 1989.

Among his memberships were the Edison and Burlington Lutheran Churches, American Legion Post 91, Teamsters Union, The Old Time Fiddlers and The Renegades.

Nels was a quiet and humble man who would help anyone with anything and give the shirt off his back but wanted no attention or credit in return.  During his retirement, he volunteered for many years at the Helping Hands Food Bank and played music at retirement and nursing homes until it was no longer possible, due to Covid.

He enjoyed going to dances in his younger years, camping and fishing with family, playing music for others, watching his grandchildren’s sports and activities, and playing a good game of Solitaire or Bingo.

Survivors include his son, Ronnie Peterson; granddaughters, Josett (Korey) Comstock and Jacqueline (Julio) Resendiz; great-grandchildren, Kelci and Allie Comstock and Lezly, Andrea, Alex, Gaby, Elizabeth, Mya, and Sophia Resendiz, all of the family home in Burlington; step-son, David (Mimi) Miller and their children, Skip Knutsen, Carla Jones and Christy Speer; grandsons, Vince (Tammy) Miller and Jeff Miller; “chosen daughter,” Lita Duby and her children, Adam Lange, Melissa Williams and Beth Gholson; brother, Leif (Cindy) Peterson; special great-nephew, Luke Peterson; numerous other nephews and nieces, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Bernice ‘Bea’; four brothers, Lawrence, Pete, George and Heckon; sister, Hanna; stepson, Duane Miller; grandson, Michael Miller.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00, Monday, January 9, 2023, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, followed by a Committal at Greenhills Memorial Cemetery, Burlington, with Military Honors.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Hospice of the Northwest for their care and kindness to Nels during his short time at home on hospice care.  Share memories of Nels and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Danniella Alberto

    We will truly miss Nels. He was a great friend with our Father and they played in the old time fiddler’s together! So glad we enjoyed his company occasionally ourselves! Rick Matson and Danniella Huey

  • Michael Gaggia

    Nels was a friend of mine. A good friend. And i think he felt the same way about me.
    We became acquainted at the American Legion, Tuesday luncheons. His son, Ronnie, Nels and myself sat together and solved the world’s problems each Tuesday. It was a load of laughs. Nels had a cast iron stomach. He could eat whatever was on his plate, which was ocassionally questionable. Then came the Covid epidemic, and the Legion closed up tight, for nearly three years.
    So, Nels and i continued are weekly get togethers in local restaurants, initially. The last few months Nels’ appetite lessened more and more. But for well over two and a half years we pretty much went out to eat four to six times each month. We also attened special holidays and occasions with each other’s families. I know we both enjoyed all those times.
    With just about every outing we would concluded by visiting the cemetery where his wife, Bea, was laid to rest. At the end we didn’t get out of the car but just rolled down the window along side Bea’s headstone. I’d ask Nel’s what Bea had to say, and he’d answer that she was keeping his side ready for him. And we’d laugh.
    So, now Nel’s will take his place with Bea and many others of his generation. It will be a big loss to his son, Ronnie, and all the others that surrounded him in their home together. It is a loss to the Skagit community, the American Legion Post 91 and it is a big loss to me too.
    I expect i will go by the cemetery and ask Bea if Nels is behaving, which i expect he will quietly be up to some mischievious antic and i will know by his squinting eyes and sheepish grin, all is well. So long, Nels. Its been my pleasure. Now rest in Jesus.

  • Lita and the kids

    Dad you will forever be in our heart and I am forever grateful to you and mom for chosen me to be your daughter and my kids Adam Elizabeth and Melissa to be part of the Peterson family and you never once make me feel that I was not your daughter last time I seen you you told me Kedo don’t stay away to long this time .I will keep the thoughts and all the wonderful memories that we had and share close until my own death one day . I know that you are happy and in peace in heaven and you are reunited with Mom once again tell her I love and miss her too. And thank you for being my Dad and for loving me and my family . I will always love you always and forever until we meet again .

  • Robin & Chris Peterson

    We have very fond memories of Uncle Nels coming to North Dakota for the annual Peterson picnic. It was always fun to visit with him and he often shared his musical talents with family and friends.

    His memory has a special place in our hearts where we find comfort in the treasured thoughts of those we hold dear. May it help to know that others care deeply and are remembering your family with special thoughts.

    May God give your family peace and comfort in the days ahead.

  • Kim Olander Mayer

    I loved hearing Nels’ special songs at the Renegades’ play outs.
    I hope you’re playing music again with the other Renegades. Play on and on…