We are heartbroken to announce the loss of our mother and grandmother, Darlene Ethel Peterson. Mom passed away on the afternoon of February 16, 2024, at Green Lea Nursing Home, surrounded by those who loved her most.
Darlene was born in 1937 in La Crosse, Wis., to Victor and Ethel Bolduan. She grew up on their family farm in Freeburg, Minn.
She met our dad, David, when she was 14 and they later married when she was just 16. They lived on the Peterson home farm in Highlandville and had five children: Juanita (Irey) Meyer of New Albin, Curtis (Candy) Peterson of Caledonia, Patricia (Steven) Thompson of La Crescent, Rebecca Peterson of Caledonia, and Steven (Janice) Peterson of Caledonia. They later bought their Eitzen home and had one more child, Angela (Jeremy) Halverson of Spring Grove. Mom and Dad were married 58 years before Dad passed away in 2012.
Mom was an incredibly proud grandmother to Shawn (Kelly) Meyer, Melissa (Tony) Lange, Jesse (Shelly) Peterson, Adam (Leah) Peterson, Amanda (Josh) Rask, Harley (Kendra) Thompson, Jacob Peterson, Nickolas (Clarissa) Peterson, Evan Halverson and Ellie Mae Halverson; and great grandmother to 18 great-grandchildren.
Mom worked several jobs over the years, but she retired from Northern Engraving in 2001. In her free time, Mom loved to go to garage sales and thrift stores, she loved gardening and flowers, she enjoyed cooking and baking, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Mom belonged to St. Lukes in Eitzen for most of her life and was active in different groups and circles there. She especially loved the Harvest Supper in the fall.
Mom spent the last 18 months living in Mabel at Green Lea Senior Living. While there, mom made friends, played bingo, did different types of crafting, attended church services, and considered the staff extended family. We will forever be grateful for their loving care for both mom and for us as a family.
Darlene is survived by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends too numerous to count.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents Victor and Ethel, her husband David, and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Myron and Ester Peterson, Ragnhild and Harold St. Mary, Valborg and Carlton Clausen, and Truman Peterson.
There will be a service for those who would like to honor mom’s life on February 21, 2024, in Eitzen, Minn., at St. Luke’s Church. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. Lunch and fellowship will follow the graveside service.
Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com.