Barbara Jayne Peterson

Barbara Jayne Peterson, age 84, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Barbara was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota to Gladys and Cecil Smith on August 17, 1940. She went to high school in Henning, Minnesota then moved to Blooming Prairie at age 15, graduating in 1958. She went on to earn a degree from the Minnesota School of Business. On August 6, 1960, Barb was united in marriage to Wallace Peterson at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. Barb put her heart and soul into every career position and every coworker she met over the years. She had a work ethic like no other, retiring at 82 years of age, which even at 82, she was not happy about. Barbara’s strong faith gave her comfort and peace through the years. She dedicated her life to her family, faith, and career. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church, serving in many roles during her lifetime. Her kind and loving heart touched many over the years. Barb enjoyed birds, flowers, reading and being active, which made the past two years very difficult for her. 

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kristen (Kent) Wilker; daughter-in-law, Linda Peterson; grandchildren, Michelle Dempsey, Tiffany Peterson, Chad (Jill) Wilker, Abby (Sergio Maya) Wilker; great-grandchildren, Noah Dempsey, Maveda Warner, Kortney Dempsey, Emma Dempsey, Hudson Silva, and one due on Barb’s birthday; sister, Eileen Buchanan; brother, Eugene (Janie) Smith; sister-in-law, Patricia Peterson; cat, Kitty; caretaker, Linda Thompson; and many other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wally Peterson; son, Gregory Peterson; and sister, Patricia Green.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery, rural Blooming Prairie. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Way, First Lutheran Church, or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements.