Jean M. Peterson

Jean M. Peterson, 87, of La Crescent, MN, completed her life’s journey Sunday, October 3, 2021, at SpringBrook Village of La Crescent.

Jean Mary Peterson was born November 7, 1933, in Beloit, WI, to Eleanor and Elmer Skoumal. She graduated from Rockford West High School in 1952. She spent one year attending St. Olaf College, in Northfield - where in addition to pursuing a science-related degree she greatly enjoyed playing violin as a member of the St. Olaf Orchestra.

She married her high-school sweetheart, Roger Peterson in 1953, and together they moved to Houghton, Mich., where he attended Michigan Tech. in pursuit of a career in Engineering. After graduation, Roger was recruited by IBM, so he and Jean moved to Rochester, in 1957. They continued to live there together until Roger’s passing on Aug. 7, 2012. Jean stayed on in Rochester until 2018, when she moved to SpringBrook Village in La Crescent.

Jean’s greatest joy was being with her family – especially her great-granddaughter Avrie. She also enjoyed gardening, caring for her orchids, feeding local songbirds, playing the violin, traveling, square dancing, painting, cats, and a good game of Trivial Pursuit. She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 59 years Roger, and her parents Elmer and Eleanor Skoumal.

She is survived by her brother, Tom Skoumal of Juda, WI; two children, Beth Peterson and her husband, Steve Palm of Plymouth and David Peterson and his wife, Jane of La Crescent; two grandchildren, Hannah Pederson of La Crosse and Nathan Peterson of Blaine; and one great-grandchild, Avrie Pederson.

Jean will be remembered for her love for God, her giving and caring spirit, and her love for her family. Jean will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, October 13th, at 11:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Pastor Kent Johnson will officiate. Friends may call on the family Wednesday morning at the church from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Please note that due to the church’s COVID restrictions, masks will be required in the church, as will social-distancing.

Those who are unable to attend the service are invited to return to this obituary page ( www.schumacher-kish.com ) the day after the service, to view a recording of the service and a slideshow of pictures from Jean’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Bird Conservancy ( https://abcbirds.org/ ).