Helen M. Peterson, age 96, passed away Friday, November 13, 2020, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview, Brookings, South Dakota. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with interment at First Lutheran Cemetery in Brookings, SD. Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Helen was born at home March 16, 1924, near Milesville, SD, to Alfred and Elsie (Hood) Nielson. She attended rural school near Milesville, and then in Brookings County where she attended seventh and eighth grades at Bangor School near Sinai. Helen completed her education and graduated from Volga High School in 1942. She was employed at Coast to Coast retail store and then as a dental assistant for Dr. A. Starkson for four years.

On March 16, 1946, Helen was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Peterson. They farmed and Bob joined the auction business with Lenny Burlage, and Helen clerked the sales with Karon Burlage for Peterson-Burlage Auctions, as well as at Brookings Livestock Auction. She enjoyed clerking, getting to know all the people at the sales, and seeing their familiar faces on a regular basis. Auctions are addicting!

Helen was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Brookings, where she served as an Elder and a Deacon. She was also involved with the South Dakota Art Museum, PEO Chapter P, and the Hospital Auxiliary.

Helen is survived by her son, James "Jim" (Brenda) Peterson, Brookings; and her daughter, Nancy (Dan) Quail, St. Joseph, MN; four grandchildren, Eric (Miranda) Peterson of Brookings, Scott (Tricia) Peterson of Volga, Stacy Sunberg of Edina, MN, and Shane (Denelle) Quail of Sioux Falls; seven great-grandchildren: Vincent, Ezra, Erica, Lane, Elexa, Quinn, Eben; sister, Dorothy Ishol of Brookings, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Lewis and his wife Pearl, sister, Marian and her husband John Boland, twin brothers, Gary and Larry, and brother-in-law, Dale Ishol.

We cannot thank the staff at The Neighborhoods enough for the amazing care they provided for Helen.

Condolences may be sent to Jim Peterson, 1309 Bluestem Path, Brookings, SD, 57006.