Dolly Paterson

MADISON-Dolly M. Paterson, age 96, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, August 29, 2015. Dolly Marjorie Anderson was born July 29, 1919, on a farm near Erwin, S.D., as the oldest of four children. Her parents, Oscar L. and Betty (Ring) Anderson, were members of the Swedish immigrant community who settled on the prairie, farmed the land, and worshipped at Clara Lutheran Church, where Dolly was baptized and confirmed. Dolly attended grade school and high school in Erwin, graduating in 1937, as salutatorian of her class. She earned her teaching degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and taught elementary school in Lake Preston, S.D. for four years. Dolly and her future husband grew up in small towns no more than ten miles apart, and met after high school. Dolly and David were married on Oct. 6, 1942, followed by David's enlistment in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 8, 1942. The young couple lived in Cambridge, MA, while David attended Naval Officers School at Harvard. After discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1946, they moved back to South Dakota and farmed for four years on the Paterson pioneer homestead. David and Dolly lived in Watertown, SD, until Nov. 1958, when they moved to Monona, living in the same home for 54 years. Dolly joined the P.E.O. organization while in Watertown, S.D., and was a founding member of Chapter BY in Madison. Her P.E.O. membership and many friendships were very meaningful to her over the years. She also belonged to Frostwoods Association in Monona, a bridge group, and a women's investment group. Dolly was a great sports fan, following local high school athletics and her Badgers! She played bridge, was an avid and competitive cribbage player, and loved Sudoku. Dolly loved golf, both playing and following golf tournaments. She also loved keeping up with emails and playing Solitaire and Hearts on her computer. Dolly loved her churches, she was currently a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. Throughout her life, Dolly was sustained by faith, was steadfast in her love of family and friends, was proud of her Swedish heritage, and loyal to her Monona community. After her husband's death in 2004, Dolly stepped into the role of family Matriarch, contributing much love, guidance and caregiving to the next generations. She was preceded in death by her husband, David G Paterson; her parents; and her youngest brother, Dean W. Anderson. Dolly is survived by her four children, Roberta Paterson, Madison, David Paul (Nancy) Paterson, Madison, Judith (Steve) Reinhart, Eau Claire, and Richard (Kristi) Paterson, Cedar Rapids, IA; along with seven grandchildren, Joel Paterson, Chicago,IL, Sarah Paterson and Scott (Kari) Paterson, Madison, Kurt (Susan) Reinhart, Rochester, MN, Kate (Matt) Evans, Cedar Rapids, IA, Aaron (Leslie) Paterson, Watertown, MA., and Mark (Kate) Paterson, Milwaukee; and 12 great-grandchildren, Karli, Matthew, Andrew, Samuel, Tyler, Henry, Oscar, Ezra, Miriam, Margarethe, Clay and newborn Nash. Dolly is further survived by her sister, Gene Anderson Maluchnik of Denver, CO; her brother, Arthur O. Anderson of Gainsville,FL, and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Anderson of Bryant, SD; nieces; nephews and friends. Our mother was a kind and gentle woman who made everyone in her presence feel special. Her strength came from her faith in God and her love of family and friends. She will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held at ST STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, at 12 p.m noon, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015. Entombment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church or a Charity of your choice. Thank you to Dolly's many friends and caregivers at Heritage Monona and Oak Park Place.  Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420