Jean LeVonne Petersen

Obituary

Jean LeVonne Petersen was born in Dassel, Minnesota, on December 14, 1926, to Gustaf and Lillie (Lundahl) Beckman. She was baptized on February 11, 1927, at the First Lutheran Church in Dassel, and was confirmed in her faith there on May 25, 1941. Jean grew up in Dassel, and graduated with the Class of 1944 from the Dassel High School. She continued her education for one year at Teachers Training in Litchfield.  Jean went on to teach school for five years.

On June 24, 1950, Jean was united in marriage to Ray Irvin Petersen at the First Lutheran Church in Dassel. The couple lived and farmed south of Corvuso, and moved into Cosmos in 1969. Jean was a busy and loving mother to her four children, and a devoted wife and helper to Ray. They had shared 59 years of marriage when Ray passed away on October 14, 2009. Jean continued living in their home in Cosmos.

Jean was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brookfield Township. She taught Sunday School and was active with many church groups. She was also a member of the Cosmos American Legion Auxiliary, and active with the Cosmos Senior Citizens group. She enjoyed gardening and canning her produce, and going camping and fishing.  She liked to keep her mind active by doing crossword puzzles.

Early Friday morning, June 8, 2018, Jean passed away at the Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, having reached the age of 91 years, 5 months, and 24 days. Blessed be her memory.

Jean is survived by her:

Children:         Carol Simondet and her husband Bill of Litchfield,
                        Linda Nelson and her husband Bruce of Grove City,
                        Ronda Berg and her husband Colin of Olivia;

Son-in-law, Edward Giwoyna, of Hopkins;

Grandchildren: Jennifer Theis, Kate (Trevor) Berger, Lance (Jolene) Nelson, and Eric (Chelsey) Nelson;

Step-Grandchildren: Katie Simondet, Lindsey Simondet, Glen (Shorty) Giwoyna, Jeanette Elkaffas, Kenneth (Jodi) Giwoyna, and Jody (Nick) Aguilera;

Great-Grandchildren: Kendell Berger, Micah Berger, Ryan Berger, Kaiden Nelson, Logan Nelson, and Brooklyn Nelson;

Several beloved Step-Great-Grandchildren;

Siblings:    Margaret Danielson of Dassel, Marvin Beckman and his wife Arlene of Dassel,  and Dianne Johnson and her husband Allen of Dassel;

nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her Parents, Gustaf and Lillie Beckman, Husband Ray Petersen, Daughter, Nancy Giwoyna, Brother Gustaf Beckman Jr., and Brothers-in-law Wayne Danielson and Bill Marquardt.