Joan Carol (Kilpela) Peterson, age 84 of Dassel, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona and is now in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ.
She was born March 6, 1939, to Mary and John Kilpela in Calumet, Michigan. After graduating from high school, she moved to Minneapolis and married her husband of 41 years, Raymond Peterson, on May 2, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan. Later she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Cloud State University. She found great joy teaching art to children and loved using her artistic talents to glorify her Lord in the creative arts ministry at her church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She also spent the last four winters in Mesa, Arizona where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Peterson, father, John Kilpela and mother, Mary (Peterson) Kilpela, brothers Paul Kilpela, Laurence Kilpela, Howard Kilpela, Donald Kilpela, and Carl Kilpela. Also, sisters Irene Waara, Ruth Rahkola and Estelle Saarela. She is survived by son Brad (Janet) Peterson, daughter Lori (Tom) Fangmeier, son Brent Peterson; grandchildren Nathan (Sara) Fangmeier, Chelsea (Bryce) Leiferman, Ryan Peterson and great grandchildren Titus Fangmeier, Grayson Fangmeier, Levi Fangmeier.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior from 9:30 – 10:45 am at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church 5939 Oliver Ave SW Cokato, MN 55321. Private interment to follow at a later date.