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March 30, 1957-Aug. 1, 2026
Minot
Gail S. Peterson, 69, Minot, ND, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
Gail Susan Leigh was born March 30, 1957, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Minot ND. Her parents were Neil & Barbara Leigh. Gail grew up in Minot, and graduated from Minot High School in 1976.
She married Gregory Hennix and they had two daughters together: Tanya Marie & Jana Carole Hennix. In her early twenties, Gail worked at the hospital and later became a home health aide. Caregiving was a natural calling for Gail, and many share memories of her kindness and caring nature. She had such a big heart and found such enjoyment through caring for others.
Gail and Greg divorced, and years later she remarried to Dr. Myron D. Peterson. They had one daughter: Stephany Lyn Peterson. They also shared five stepchildren and ten grandchildren.
Together they owned and operated the Field & Stream restaurant for nine years. They were very active in the Hostfest and enjoyed hosting many guests from all over the world while visiting Minot for the Scandinavian festival. They forged close friendships with visitors from Minot’s sister city Skien, Norway. They traveled to Norway several times over the years visiting their friends and researching the history of the original Stave churches. Although it was Myron’s dream to see a Stave church built here in Minot, Gail’s unwavering support helped bring the Gol Stave church replica to fruition. You can visit the grand wooden church in the Scandinavian Heritage Park today. After her husband Myron passed away in 2002, Gail continued her involvement in the Scandinavian Heritage Association. Gail became the first female president, and the longest-serving president in the history of the Minot Scandinavian Heritage Association. She served as the board’s president for 11 years. She was most recently awarded Director Emeritus in recognition of her dedication and service to SHA over the years.
Gail worked at Kalix as the director of human resources for over 10 years. While working there, she built many close friendships and was greatly missed when she retired in 2019.
The famous quote by Fred Rogers: “My mother would say to me, look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Gail was a helper. She embodied this. She was someone you could turn to in a crisis, and she would stay calm and guide you through. She dedicated many hours of her life to volunteering. She was active in her community, and especially at church: Congregational United Church of Christ. She spent a lot of time there, whether teaching Sunday school, baking goods for fundraisers, making her famous biscuits and sausage gravy for Noah’s breakfast (the church’s soup kitchen), or serving as the church moderator at one point.
Gail had many interests. She was an avid runner for years. So dedicated, that she even ran while having two fractures. When she finally hung up her running shoes, she then loved to go on walks. You would have a hard time keeping up with Gail! She loved to travel, especially with her family. Music was one of her many loves, and Elvis was her favorite! She adored many artists spanning from Whitney Houston, to Pitbull and loved going to concerts. Gail loved cooking for her family, and her family treasured her cooking! Holidays were a cherished time in Gail’s home, and Christmas was her absolute favorite! She was known for putting up her Christmas trees earlier and earlier each year, and her home was featured on the Taube Museum’s Christmas tour of homes.
Gail always wanted to be a mom, from an early age she dreamed of having children. She was an incredible mom and her devotion to her daughters was undeniable. Whether volunteering to coach one of their basketball teams, being a den mother for the classroom, working the warming house at the neighborhood ice skating rink, or simply helping with their homework, Gail was truly selfless when caring for her children. Although Gail shined as a mom, the role she cherished the most and what sparked so much joy was becoming a grandmother. Gail was destined to be called “grammy!” Her grandbabies, as she called them, were her whole world! Gail may have had many roles throughout her life, but none were as beloved as being grammy.
Who would have known in 1957 that her parents would so aptly name her Gail. Coming from the word gale, meaning strong winds. Gail was just that, she was a force. Nothing could stop her, and she was so fiercely strong. When people are asked about Gail, they almost always mention her wonderful sense of humor, and she was just so full of life! Her exuberant laugh would fill up a room, and it was infectious. Her laugh, and the beautiful smile behind it will truly be missed.
Gail was preceded in death by her parents Neil Leigh, and Barbara Bauer, and her husband Dr. Myron D. Peterson.
She is survived by her children: Tanya Hennix, Jana Hennix, and Stephany Saunders (husband Cody Saunders). Her grandchildren: Riley Thompson, Austin Saunders, and Delano Saunders; her siblings, Bryce (Barb) Leigh, Darren (Wendy) Leigh, and Janice (Dennis) Hammling.
Memorial Service: October 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot.
Private Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot.
The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 13, 2026.