Jeanette Peterson

Jeanette Frances Peterson (Erickson) was born to Edna and Gustav Erickson in Wyoming, Minnesota, on April 14, 1942. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 15, 2020, nearing her 78th birthday. To all who knew her, Jeanette was outgoing, confident, expressive, fun-loving, and kind. Her nature was the product of Edna and Gustav's love and encouragement for their only child. In 1956, at Chisago City High School, Jeanette accepted an invitation from James “Jim” Peterson to his Junior Prom. Many more dates followed including three more proms- they were an item! A big life highlight was becoming Homecoming Queen her senior year. After graduating high school, Jeanette moved to St. Paul and enrolled in a hotel management/culinary course. She found accommodation at the Catholic Girls Home and worked close by at the Commodore Hotel. Working at the Commodore Hotel was a source of pride and the origins of Jeanette's exciting stories during this happy and independent period of her life. Jim and Jeanette married at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wyoming, on April 20, 1963. The marriage date was essential to Jeanette as she had just turned 21. She wanted to show her independence, determined she would be old enough to sign her own marriage license. Their first home was in Wyoming across the street from her childhood home, where they welcomed their first child, Molly. Jeanette and Jim decided to move to Chisago City, where they had their second and third children, Martin and Greta. In 1973, they relocated to Stillwater, finding a home where they continued to raise their family, enjoy their grandsons, (Gavin and Gustav (2001)), and freedom in their early retirement. Stillwater was home for 43 years. During this time, Jeanette worked for the Washington County assessor office, retiring the day she turned 63, after for 30 years of service. Always willing for adventure, Jim and Jeanette enjoyed long road trips throughout the country to stop by friends’ home and even became international travelers visiting family in Sweden. A gracious entertainer, Jeanette loved nothing more than throwing a dinner party. Her meticulous eye for detail and natural tendency to entertain made for a joyful time. Life-long learning and the pursuit of new experiences saw Jeanette, auditioning for modeling assignments, taking up watercolor painting, and enjoying her yoga class. Jeanette knitted many sweaters, giving them as gifts as well as wearing them herself. Not a great surprise for those who knew her as she was always pushing to better herself. She tried to do her very best in all facets of her life. Blessed with another grandson in 2015, Jamal (Greta/Eddie), brought much happiness to her later years; especially when Jim and Jeanette lived with Greta and Eddie from 2016-2018. As her memory began to fade, she remained kind and spunky, animatedly speaking with her hands and sparkly eyes yet eventually in her final years she lost all that she was. In her words, "Holy Catfish!"

Jeanette is preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Edna Erickson.

She is survived by her Chisago City High School Sweetheart and husband of 57 years, James “Jim”; children, Molly, Martin (Jennifer), Greta (Eddie) Wamah; grandchildren, Gavin and Gustav Peterson, Jamal Wamah.

Interment 11 AM Saturday, April 25th at at Bradshaw Columbarium, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater.

Memorials preferred to the Alzheimers Foundation and Community Thread of Stillwater.