Kathleen Peterson

Kathleen Mary “Kathie” Peterson, 80, of Union Lake, near Erskine, MN, passed away at her home Sunday, September 5, 2021.

Kathie was born in Warren, MN, on January 28, 1941, the daughter of Cyril and Bertha (Goosen) Wavra. She grew up on the family farm near Dorothy, MN, was baptized and confirmed in St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church, and received her early education in the Dorothy school. She then attended LaFayette High School in nearby Red Lake Falls, MN, graduating as Valedictorian of the Class of 1958. Kathie was united in marriage to the love of her life, John Harley “Jack” Peterson, on November 15, 1958, at St. Dorothy’s Church. The couple settled in Crookston where their marriage would be blessed in the coming years by the births of 4 children: Nick, Tony, Kelle, and Joel. Life was good and the days and years flew by as Kathie and Jack raised their family, keeping up with work and various church and school activities the kids were involved in.  After working at different jobs, including KROX, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council and UMC, she attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. For several years, Kathie taught in the Grand Forks, ND Adult Learning Center.

In 1972, Kathie and Jack moved to a home they built near Crookston where Jack raised Appaloosa horses which he showed in area competitions. From their new home, they were also able to enjoy snowmobiling which was a favorite pastime. They soon purchased a lot on Union Lake where Jack loved to go fishing and the family enjoyed water sports while making many precious memories. Jack and son, Nick, built a new house on their lot in 1996 which became the forever home they had dreamed about for years.

Faith was an important part of Kathie’s life, first as a member of St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church, and then the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, and finally St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Mentor, MN, where she was very active in Circle, Monday evening Church gatherings, and other committees. She enjoyed participating in Crookston Community Theater productions, Pioneer Day parades, the Polk County Historical Society, the local Toastmasters group, and the Crookston Garden Club. Kathie looked forward to weekly gatherings with her friends to play bridge and felt fortunate to be able to continue this in limited fashion to the present time.

Kathie’s love of books took her to places through her reading that drove her passion for traveling. She and Jack treasured their trips as they found their way to each of the states, including Alaska and Hawaii, while also enjoying visits to Mexico and Canada. Sadly, Jack passed away on January 21, 2019.

Kathie will be lovingly remembered and missed by her 4 children: Nick Peterson of Minneapolis, MN; Tony Peterson of Alliance, NE; Kelle (Jim) Collins of Mullan, ID; and Joel (Laura Hendrickson) Peterson of Minnetonka, MN; 8 grandchildren:  Maretta (Calvin) McMullen, Lukas (Bobbi Jo Otte) Peterson, Lexie Ulubiyo, Malena Peterson, Irelynn Peterson, Connor Collins, and Hannah Peterson; and 9 great-grandchildren: Coda, C.J., Max, and Norah McMullen; Adara, Neomiah, Moses, and Veora Ulubiyo; and Finnigan Collins. She also leaves a sister, Lois Proulx, of Crookston; 2 sisters-in-law, Irene Peterson of Cottonwood, AZ, and Betty Peterson of Crookston; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In addition to Jack, her beloved husband and best friend for over 60 years, Kathie is preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Bertha Wavra; brother and sister-in-law, Kenny and Helen Wavra; infant sister, Maryagnes; brother-in-law, Paul Proulx; grandson-in-law, Emmanuel Ulubiyo; and from Jack’s family, her parents-in-law, Peter and Minnie Peterson; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Orville, Maurice, Chester, and Don Peterson, Cameron and Margie Lennox, and George and Clarice Kuhlman. May God richly bless the memory of Kathleen Mary Peterson.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Kathie Peterson will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021,  at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Mentor, MN. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the Mass. The service will be livestreamed by logging on to www.stenshoelhouske.com 10 minutes before the start of the service, going to the bottom of Kathie’s obituary page, and clicking on the prompt to view. Inurnment will take place in the St. Dorothy Cemetery, Dorothy, MN, at a later date.

Online registry and messages of condolence may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com