Rose Peterson
Rose Peterson, 94, of Waukon, formerly of Caledonia, MN, died Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Northgate Care Center, Waukon. Private family services were held. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Caledonia, MN.
Born October 31, 1923, Rose was a mom to four children, a grandma to 12, a great-grandma to 17 and a great-great-grandma to six. At 94 she was matriarch of five generations. Our memories include large family dinners, festive and much decorated holidays. She taught us all how to cook her breads, Lithuanian dishes, and allowed her children the privilege of being free labor in her restaurant in Spring Grove, MN.
She always gardened but was especially proud of her roses. She could bowl and shoot pool with the best and won many tournaments, teaching us to be competitive and the best at what we did. She gave back to the community through her church and taught us all to help and share what we have with others.
When it was time for her to go the nursing home, her statement was, “I have lived through the depression, wars, moved several times. This will be a new chapter in my life.” She chose to go to Northgate Care Center in Waukon, where she had the once been the dietary cook.
She took on the adventures with her usual strong “I will do it.” She walked the quarter-mile track several times per day, rode an exercise bike several times per week, sat in the living room area each day and took part in the activity that came by her. She gave the kitchen staff orders on what she would eat and they accommodated all. At 94, she still crocheted, continuing on years of knitting and crocheting many sweaters, afghans and hats.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, and her grandson, Rusty.
We wish to thank Northgate’s staff for all the great support and care they gave her the last year. We wish to thank St. Croix Hospice for the care given her last days. And thank you to those who sent cards and remembered mom. And a special thank you to Dee, who befriended and was always there for Mom.
Toni Robbins, Gaylord (Carol) Peterson, Jo (Ron) Beardmore, Ramona (Dale) Harris and all the grandsons and granddaughters thank you. We miss you, Mom.
