Joanne Lea Peterson

Joanne Lea Peterson, age 87, of Sauk Rapids and formerly of Willmar and Raymond, MN., passed away Wednesday morning, December 11, 2024, at the Sterling Park Senior Living Campus in Waite Park, MN.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by her celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 27, at the First Covenant Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Joanne Lea Peterson was born on June 6, 1937, in Margaritaville, New York, the daughter of Rev. Russell and Stella (Harris) Young and grew up in various places throughout Minnesota. She graduated from Brownton High School in 1955 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky in 1960. In 1961, Joanne began studying French in France to prepare for Missionary work in Algiers. Since there was too much conflict in that country, she attended Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL.

On August 24, 1963, Joanne was united in marriage to Paul Alvin Peterson and to this union they were blessed with four children, Kathryn, Kristine, Paul “Andrew” and David. They lived in various communities in Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin, where Paul served as a Minister. Throughout her working life, Joanne managed bookstores, worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and homemaker.

In 2000, they retired and moved to Raymond community and Paul continued to serve in the ministry throughout West Central Minnesota. Joanne enjoyed reading, making quilts, singing, and visiting with family and friends.

She is survived by her four children, Kathryn (and Clifton) Butler of Clearwater, MN., Kristine Kindall (and fiancé, Robert Williams) of Dover, TN., P. Andrew (and Joleen) Peterson of Belgrade, MT., and David (and Dawn) Peterson of Isanti, MN.; twelve grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rev. Paul in 2022; her brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Nova Young; and a great granddaughter, Lainey Larae Burkenpas.