Donna Peterson

Donna Jean "DeeDee" Peterson, 73, of Fergus Falls, MN, passed away at her home, under the care of Hospice, on August 15, 2024. DeeDee was born to LeRoy and Florence (Nordby) Larson in Fergus Falls on May 27, 1951. The family resided in Elbow Lake, MN, and DeeDee was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake. DeeDee graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1969. She enjoyed participating in band and choir and, with her beautiful soprano voice, had the leading role in two musicals while at ELHS.

Following high school, DeeDee attended Concordia College, from which she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1973. While at Concordia, DeeDee met Paul Jacobson, and the two were married in 1973. The couple lived in Omaha while Paul attended medical school, and DeeDee taught Kindergarten. Paul's Naval commitment resulted in moves to Virginia Beach, VA, Rota, Spain, and Fallbrook, CA. While stationed in Rota, DeeDee gave birth to two sons; Olaf Paul and Eric Carlton. Then, while in Fallbrook, they were blessed with a daughter and another son; Elsa Margit and Paul Lars. They moved to Fergus Falls in the early 1980's, and DeeDee and Paul divorced in 1992.

DeeDee married Greg Peterson in 2002, and they spent many years operating The Chopping Block (antiques) and The Recovery Room (upholstery) in Fergus Falls. DeeDee was a talented seamstress and upholsterer, and she and Greg enjoyed combing the region for antique treasures. Mutual love of their familial heritage resulted in several trips to Sweden and Norway, where they connected with relatives, donned their bunader and engaged in the culture. DeeDee participated in the Sons of Norway choir for many years, as well.

DeeDee used her considerable creative skills to decorate their beautiful Swedish-style home on a farm in Aurdal Township. She and Greg remodeled outbuildings to develop a guest house and an antique store on the property. She loved to garden and enjoyed sharing a great variety of canned goods with special people in her life. Greg and DeeDee's farm was also host to many joyful Midsommar celebrations through the years.

DeeDee was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Florence Larson. She is survived by her husband, Greg; children Olaf, Eric, Elsa and Paul Lars (Lindsey); step-daughter Heidi (Rob) Adams; grandchildren Avah and Ella Ehlert, Arianna and Canaan Klimek, Lena, Nissa, Tilda and Julian Jacobson, and Finn and Cooper Adams; sisters Dianne Conn and Joni (Chris) Wasberg; nieces Lydia Conn and Alyssa Conn (Michael Henriques) and nephew Samuel (Abby) Wasberg (children Isak and Josephine); brother-in-law Paul Peterson, nephew Andy (Allison) Peterson, niece Lynn (Jim) Olson and many cousins and friends.

DeeDee grew in her faith walk through the years and, even in the midst of health struggles, had a deep love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was beautiful inside and out. She was loved and will be deeply missed.

BLESSED BY THE MEMORY OF DONNA JEAN PETERSON

A family graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery in Elbow Lake at a later date.

Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls

Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com