Janet Peterson, 91, of Barnesville, MN, passed away in her home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Janet Peterson was born on December 21, 1932 to Stephen “Deac” and Myrtle Beatrice Jeanette (Peterson) McEvers. She grew up on a family farm in rural Elmwood Township, MN and attended grade school in Baker, MN. She then went on to graduate from Barnesville High School in 1950.
Janet met Delbert at the Old Maid’s Restaurant in Barnesville while she and some girlfriends stopped for an ice cream cone. He said something smart to her across the restaurant, she stuck out her tongue, and he says, "You know what that means? It means you want a kiss." At the age of 18, Janet was united in marriage to Delbert Peterson on April 7, 1951 at the Baker Presbyterian Church.
They made their home in Barnesville. Janet stood behind and supported her husband Delbert throughout all of his business adventures and was a huge community supporter. She and Delbert have been instrumental in the growth of Barnesville in many aspects. Janet helped keep the books and did the office work for Delbert. Their entrepreneurial adventures began with Peterson Plumbing and Heating. Then in 1960, they started Peterson Builders, building homes throughout the Barnesville area. They continued to operate that business through 1988. In 1968, the first Del Acres Addition to the city of Barnesville was started. In 1974, they began the D & D Building Supply Company of Barnesville of which they operated until 1991. Also during this time, they became part owners of the Galaxie Supper Club and Lanes near Barnesville. In 1980, they purchased the Barnesville School District contract for busing and began the Barnesville Bus Company, a business that continues to be operated by the family to this day. Janet was continuously involved in the operations of the Peterson businesses.
She has been a member of St. James United Church of Christ in Barnesville. She and Delbert loved to dance. Janet has continued her family legacy of being very generous throughout the community. Janet loved to cook and bake, surprising many people with her baked goods and food. She loved to sew blankets for many new babies and embroider towels for gifts and church bazaars.
She is survived by two sons and two daughters: Delbert C. (Marjorie) Peterson of Barnesville, Debbie (Ron) Jerger of Barnesville, Diane Peterson of Barnesville, and Kim (Michelle) Peterson of Barnesville. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren: Janet (Troy) Sailer of Eden Prairie, Jared (Mari) Peterson of Barnesville, Jamine (Adam) Weiss of Atlanta, GA, Jacob Peterson of Barnesville, Laura (Josh Eden) Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, Lisa (Jeff) Hagel of Barnesville, Mandy Peterson of Barnesville, Michael Peterson of Barnesville, Mark Peterson of Barnesville, Jesse (April) Jerger of Fargo, Jill (Trevor) Moen of Barnesville, Jay (London) Jerger of Barnesville, Lee Haugrud of Fargo, Chad Haugrud of Rothsay, Tyler (Amy) Peterson of Glyndon, Kasey (Bryan) Swenson of Hawley, Trisha (Corey) O'Leary of Barnesville, Alyssa (Josh) Knoll of Beulah, ND, Jaymie (Dan) Sadek of Beulah, ND, Taylor (Ethan) Ishaug of Beulah, ND, and 31 great grandchildren: Abby and Eric Sailer, Belle, Kennedy and Lauren Peterson, Declan and Graham Hamilton, Merrick Eden, Henrik, Conrad and Willem Hagel, Mason Moen, Madison and Jordana Jerger, Cadence and Hailey Jerger, Matthew Kruft, Skyler and Carson Peterson, Morgan and Peyton Swenson, Will, Camryn, and Jack O'Leary, Ellie, Tessa, and Dawson Knoll, Brody, Briar, and Blakely Sadek, and Jovie Ishaug.
She is also survived by one sister Joyce Burns of Moorhead, sister in law Grace McEvers of Barnesville, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Delbert in 2007, son Steve in 2011, her parents Stephen and Myrtle McEvers, grandson Richie Wheeler, four brothers: Lyle, Jim (Kathleen), Wayne, Curt (Sandra), and two sisters Bonnie McEvers and Beverly (Ronald) Braton.
Visitation will be 5-8 PM, Saturday, December 30, 2023 at St. James United Church of Christ in Barnesville, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Sunday.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 31, 2023 at St. James United Church of Christ with Rev. John Werner officiating. Burial will follow in Rosemound Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be designated according to Janet’s wishes.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.DobmeierFuneralHome.com
Saturday, December 30, 2023
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
St. James United Church of Christ
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Starts at 7:00 pm (Central time)
St. James United Church of Christ
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
St. James United Church of Christ
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