Janet Mary (Beckman) Peterson 

Janet Mary (Beckman) Peterson left this world and went on to the next August 28, 2021.

Janet was born December 26, 1947, to Mark and Luella Beckman (Rauen) of rural Monticello, Iowa, and was one of eight children growing up on the farm. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School, she went on to obtain her nursing degree. Janet then moved to Rochester, Minn., with her nursing friends and worked as an LPN at the Methodist Hospital in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Janet and Wes married May 19, 1973, at Castle Grove Church in Iowa. They resided in Decatur, Ill., and then moved to the wonderful city of Spring Valley, Minn., in April 1974. Janet continued her years of caring for others at Spring Valley Hospital until she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in January of 1999. Her goal was to live long enough to hold her first grandchild due in July of that year. Her faith, fortitude, and a bone marrow transplant made that possible. She was able to welcome and cherish a total of eight grandchildren in the years that followed.

While Janet did not return to her formal nursing career, she continued caring for many family members and friends over the years. A new challenge with liver cancer emerged in December 2020. Janet was a true champion throughout months of treatments and surgery. Whatever personal trials she endured, she was always concerned for others. “Love ya Lots” was a phrase that was often heard by her loved ones.

Janet loved spending time with family, shopping, jewelry, gardening, going on bus trips, and traveling. One of her favorite trips was when she went to Europe. She was an active member of the church community and Altar Society. Janet enjoyed her garden and watching birds out her window. A couple of her favorite birds were goldfinches and hummingbirds. Both are said to symbolize healing, joy, and positive energy, all of which Janet brought to others in her lifetime. Janet always said, “You’ve got to stay positive.”

Janet is survived by her beloved husband Wes, siblings Marc (Diane) Beckman of St. Clair, Mo., Bill Beckman, Tom (Janet) Beckman, Pat Beckman, Paul (Dixie) Beckman, Marcia (John) Monk, and Myrna Sasina of Monticello, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews. Children are Mark (Kanen) Peterson of Jefferson, Wis., Angela (Josh) Kramer of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Kristin Peterson of Strawberry Point, Iowa. Janet was extremely proud of her eight grandchildren: Zackary, Halle, Sophie, Drew, Olivia, Samuel, Callum, and Sullivan. If they inherit Janet’s faith and fortitude, they are destined to make a great contribution to the world.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial Mass for Janet will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Spring Valley, with Father Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11 at the church prior to the service. First grandchild, Zackary James Peterson, will be urn bearer. Hindt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family will be redistributed to the St. Ignatius Cemetery and the Jim Cooper EMS Foundation, which assists volunteer ambulance services in this area.

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.