Myra Eloise Lynner was born February 20, 1923, in the Lynner flat to Esther Marie Peterson Lynner and Johnny Lynner in Clarkfield.  She passed peacefully from this life on September 26, 2024, at the age of 101 years, 7 months and 6 days.  She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Duane Peterson; her parents; her brother John Haynes "Jack" Lynner; niece Kristi Diane Lynner and her son Gordon David Peterson. Additionally, her grandparents, Ingeborg and Jens Lynner and Emma and Peter Peterson.

Myra was a third-generation granddaughter of emigrants from Norway and Sweden who treasured her heritage.  Myra recalled several fond childhood memories. One was the doll buggy parade which was part of a big American Legion convention held in Clarkfield.  Her mother and Aunt Myrtle Lynner created a white swan out of her dolly buggy, and it won first prize. Another event, when she was nine years old, was the birth of her only sibling, Jack. And, finally, she recalled the big event of being fitted for glasses.

Myra's early education started with first grade and continued with graduation from Clarkfield High School, Class of 1941.  One of Myra's best high school memories was her activity in music.  She was a member of band in which she played clarinet, as well as glee club and mixed chorus.  Her religious education was formed in Sunday School and Parochial School followed by confirmation on May 1, 1938.  She was a lifelong member of Clarkfield Lutheran Church.

After graduation, Myra started St. Olaf College in September 1941.  There she met the love of her life, Gordon Duane Peterson. His education was interrupted in 1943 as he served three years with the U.S. Army, 11th Armored Division. With Gordy in the military, Myra moved with her cousin, Doris Hanson Hagedon, to Bellingham, WA where she worked as a social worker during World War II.  Following his discharge, they were married March 3, 1946, at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. Gordy graduated from St. Olaf, then attended the University of Minnesota for Mortuary Science where he was president of his class. They worked as a parent-in-residence for children. The young couple then moved to Clarkfield where he joined his father-in-law at the J.H. Lynner Furniture and Funeral Home. John Lynner Peterson was born in Northfield followed by the birth of Mary Lee in Clarkfield, Gordon David, Thomas Daniel, Paul Michael and Naomi Esther to complete the family.

In addition to rearing her six children, Myra was an active member of the Clarkfield community in roles such as serving on the ambulance team, senior meal site secretary, nail care for residents of Clarkfield Care Center and helping with the backpack food program until she was 96 years old.  Myra served in numerous positions at Clarkfield Lutheran Church, including Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and many church boards including president of CLCW.  She was a charter member of the Clarkfield Hospital Auxiliary and later served as president.  Having been appointed to the H.U.D. board, she served many months planning the Valhalla Apartments.  Following Gordy's untimely death at age 44, she worked part time at the Clarkfield Care Center and as a nurses aid at the Clarkfield Hospital.

She was a member of Eastern Star and shared her sharp mind in card parties and enjoyed a wide range of reading materials.  She also loved travel and experienced many exciting and educational trips.

Myra is survived by her children, John Lynner Peterson (Brenda) of Lexington, KY; Mary Lee Peterson of Minneapolis, MN; Thomas Daniel Peterson (Pamela) of Appleton, WI; daughter-in-law, Kristine Peterson of West Des Moines, IA; Paul Michael Peterson (Patricia) of Rochester, MN and Naomi Esther of Clarkfield, MN. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Jordan Daniel Peterson (Shawna) of Wausau, WI; Erik Lynner Peterson and Evan Lynner Peterson of Rochester, MN. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Lois Olson Lynner of Clarkfield, MN; niece, Lori Anne Lynner Skrien of Marshall, MN; nephew John Howard Lynner of Clarkfield, MN; great-nephew, Jett Lynner Skrien of Orange City, IA and great-niece, Lisi Lynner Skrien of Duluth, MN, cousins and family members.

We celebrate her rich, long life.  Thanks be to God.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at 1 PM at Clarkfield Lutheran Church followed by the Celebration of Life at 2 PM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Per family request, please no flowers—memorials may be directed to Clarkfield EMS or Clarkfield Lutheran Church.

Clarkfield EMS
PO Box 237, Clarkfield MN 56223

Clarkfield Lutheran Church
1000 15th Ave., Clarkfield MN 56223
Tel: 1-320-669-4839