Jean “Jeannie” Peterson, 74

Sartell

July 14, 1945-May 9, 2020

Jean “Jeannie” Peterson, 74, of Sartell, died May 9, 2020 after facing Multiple Sclerosis head on for more than 30 years. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Peterson 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.”

She married Daniel Peterson on Oct. 23, 1965 in Bovey. They spent their early married years in Duluth where she 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 eventually 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 she enjoyed about her life in Via Riviera. Peterson also enjoyed as much time as possible at their cabin on Island Lake where many memories were made with family and friends.

Peterson 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. She was active in her church choir at Celebration Lutheran Church and loved to “hum along” while making her way through a day.

Sometime in the 1980s, Peterson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She made it very clear her diagnosis was not going to control her life and was determined to stay independent as long as possible. She 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.

Peterson was recently described as a person whose “positivity was infectious”…we couldn’t say it better. We love you Mom and will miss you every day.

Survivors include the following: 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, and Don (Judy) Lindgren, all of Estero, Florida; sister in-law Diane Jasper; the caring women who watched over her every day; nieces; nephews; and so many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Dan of 52 years; her parents; sister Janice; and 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: www.williamsdingmann.com.