Rosella Margaret Peterson

Rosella Margaret Peterson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, departed her loving family on February 22, 2025 at the age of 90. 

Rosella was born on the Whalen farm in Cresco, Iowa, on January 9, 1935 to Richard and Gladys (Ryan) McCabe. Shortly after graduating from Harmony High School she was united in marriage to Roger Peterson on September 25, 1954. 

Together they created a homestead in rural Harmony where they shared six children. Rosella and Roger farmed for several years before moving to town where they owned and operated their business, Peterson’s Sport Shop. 

Rosella expressed her love and devotion through being a dedicated homemaker. She was skilled in making Norwegian lefse, homemade bread and baked goods in her bustling kitchen. She spent many years working at the Harmony nursing home until her retirement. Rosella stayed active in her community by volunteering at the Harmony Visitor Center, participating in the Red Hat Society, spending time with friends and local craft shows. She was a devoted Catholic, regularly involved in church organizations. Rosella also took great pride in her growing family. She would brighten the day of those around her with her welcoming personality, caring nature and unwavering positivity. She will be remembered for her cheerful smile and the time she took to share a long goodbye, also known to her family as “The Peterson Goodbye.” 

Rosella is survived by her six children: Deb (Darrell) Bates, Dan (Lyn), Terry (Stephanie), Fred (Bonnie), Mike, and Bill (Colleen); grandchildren: Brady, Brian and Riley Bates, Jesse (Elsbeth), Mackenzie (Cynthia), Cheyenne, Jonathan (Sammy), Jennifer (Taylor) Marsden, Rochelle (Matt) Pepin, Alex (Jake) Masters, Tori (Cory) Strom and Brittany (Mark) Fischer; 22 great-grandchildren, brothers Charles and Orvin, sisters Donna (Al) Weber and Marylyn (Joe) Schorr, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roger, brothers Jim, George, Roger and Stevie; and sisters Darlene, Alice and Grace. 

Memorial services will be held at noon on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Assumption Catholic Church in Canton, Minn., with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Friday morning. Schmelzer (formerly Lindstrom) Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.