At the age of 95, Elizabeth “Beth” Elaine Gag, of Prior Lake, formerly of Sterling, CO, left her family’s side peacefully Saturday morning, June 20, 2015 at McKenna Crossing, Prior Lake, MN.
Services will be held at the Church of St. Michael, 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN, with a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 25 at 11 am, with a visitation starting at 9:30 am. Father Tom Sieg will preside and George Ladd being the urn bearer. Additional services will be held on Saturday, July 11, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Sterling, CO, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Beth will be laid to rest at Sterling Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, CO.
Gracing this world on May 14, 1920 in Raymond, MN, Beth was the daughter to parents, Paul and Augusta (Versluys) Dhoore. She grew up in Marshall, MN in a full house, with 7 sisters and 1 brother, with all of their names beginning with a ‘B’. Running out of ‘B’ names, Beth was baptized Elizabeth and the priest gave Paul and Augusta permission to call her ‘Beth.’ Attending Marshall High School, she was a member of the cheer leading squad and a proud graduate of the class of 1938.
Beth married her first true love, Neal Peterson on October 27, 1941 in Marshall, MN. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Carole, Gary and Dan. Beth’s heart broke when Neal passed away in 1986.
Her first job was operating the soda fountain at Bloski Drug Store in Marshall, MN where she met Neal. They eventually moved and operated stores in Tekamah, NE, Kimball, NE and finally to Sterling, CO, where she took care of the stores books, and worked in local dress and bridal shops.
Life became complete once again, when Beth was reunited with a classmate, Howard “Andy” Gag at a class reunion in 1990. On May 6, 2006 in Sterling, CO, they exchanged wedding vows. Her family now included two step-daughters, Tricia and Kathy.
Beth was always on the move exploring new destinations and buying treasures along the way. She loved to travel, especially seeing her daughter all over the United States.
An avid golfer, Beth won awards at the local golf club in Sterling and was a talented bowler. She relished each friendship created over the years, from the many bridge games, involvement in the birthday clubs, bowling and playing golf. Her greatest pleasures were shopping, playing nickel slots, and going to the salon.
A devoted and loving wife, mom and nana to her family, Beth greatest quality was being a friend to anyone she encountered. Left to honor Beth’s life and will forever miss her is husband, Andy; children, Carole (Bill) Thimgan of Taylors, SC, Dan (Sharon) Peterson of Texarkana, AK; step-daughters, Tricia (George) Ladd of Prior Lake, MN, Kathy (David) Maguire of Redwood Falls, MN; grandchildren;
Amy Peterson, Laura (Mark) Holley, Regan (Jon) Baxter, Tara Peterson, and Audra (Brandon) Cathy, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild & other relatives and friends.
Beth will be welcomed into heaven by her first husband Neil; son, Gary Peterson, daughter in law, Cherrie Peterson, grandson Toby Peterson; parents and siblings.
