Kathleen Peterson

Kathleen (Kay) P. Peterson, age 91, of North Branch, MN, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon at her sons home near Pine River, MN. A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, February 16, 2009, from 3:00 until 9:00 PM at the AmericInn 38675 -14th Avenue, North Branch, MN, 800-396-5007.
Kay Peterson was born on February 10, 1917, in Parshall, ND, the first of 10 children to John and Agnes (Peterson) Woken. Following her education she taught in a one room schoolhouse in North Dakota. Later, she moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Following the move her younger sister, Beverly, came to live with her at the age of 12. Kay worked at the Army Ammunition Plant where she met her late husband, George Peterson. George and Kay lived in North St. Paul, where they raised their children.

George and Kay spent many summers with the family at their cabin on OBrian Lake at Crosslake, MN. In 1984 they moved from their home in North St. Paul to their cabin on the lake. In 1994 George passed away and Kay moved north of the Twin Cities in 2001.

Kay was a collector of many antiques and later Cabbage Patch dolls (amounting to over 2000). She spent much of her free time frequenting garage sales and junking. Every Christmas and Thanksgiving the family gathered at Kays in celebration. Her door was always open to friends and family and she loved to have company over.

We will all cherish and love her forever. To the best Mom, Grandma, Wife, and friend- we love you!

Kay is survived by her children, Jerry (Kathy) Peterson of Pine River, MN, Tom (Shelly) Peterson of McGregor, MN, daughter, Stanza Guion of Shoreview, MN, and Dick Peterson of Whidbey Island, WA; sister, Beverly Woken; brothers, Robert, Jack and Leroy Woken; 23 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Agnes; husband, George; son, Michael John Szewc, son, Donald Peterson, daughter, Judith Ann Woodford; and 6 brothers.