A Celebration of Life will be at a later date for Jean “Jeannie” Peterson, age 74, of Sartell, who stepped into eternity on May 9, 2020, after facing multiple sclerosis head on for over 30 years.
Jean was born July 14, 1945, to Jalmer and Vienna Lindgren in Grand Rapids. Her childhood and early married years were spent in her beloved hometown of Bovey. Like most Iron Rangers, Jeannie’s tremendous pride of her hometown of Bovey, “Home of the Picture Grace,” was obvious within minutes of meeting her. She had many stories of her Bovey life and her infectious smile made it apparent how much she adored her Finlander roots.
Jean married Daniel Peterson Oct. 23, 1965, in Bovey. They spent their early married years in Duluth where Jean graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in teaching. They enjoyed their years in Duluth socializing while making lifelong friendships.
In 1976, Dan, Jean and their three children moved to Sartell where they bought their dream home on the river. Many early morning coffee boat rides and socializing (once again) on the “Peterson Sandbar” were just a few of the things Jean enjoyed about her life in Via Riviera. Jean also enjoyed as much time as possible at their cabin on Island Lake where many memories were made with family and friends.
Jean was employed by the Sartell-St. Stephen School District as the gifted and talented teacher (a program she founded) and later as a classroom teacher. She enjoyed working with the students and watching them thrive through their schooling years. Jean was active in her church choir at Celebration Lutheran Church and loved to hum along while making her way through a day.
Somewhere in the 1980s Jean was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She made it clear her diagnosis was not going to control her life and was determined to stay independent as long as possible. Jean kept herself active with her book club friends, her YMCA MS group, her children and grandchildren. These were her ways to battle this incurable disease.
Jeannie was described as a person whose, “positivity was infectious.” We couldn’t say it better. We love you Mom and will miss you every day.
Jean is survived by her three children, Kris (Scott) Schlichting of Rice, Jay (Shelley) Peterson of Clear Lake, and Jill (Jason) Dekarske of Otsego. Her adored five grandchildren Jordan Schlichting, Jerad Schlichting, McKenzie Peterson, Daniel Peterson and Clara Dekarske, her beloved friend Sue Hansen, brothers Robert (Jayne) Lindgren of Estero, Florida. and Don (Judy) Lindgren of Estero, Florida., sister in-law Diane Jasper, the caring women who watched over her every day, nieces, nephews and so many dear friends.
Jean is preceded in death by her devoted husband Dan of 52 years, her parents, sister Janice, brother in-laws Bradley Eilertson and Joe Jasper.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.
Obituary and guest book available online at www.williamsdingmann.com
R-20-1B
