Laura Jean Peterson

Laura Jean Peterson, 81 of Aitkin passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.  She was born April 11, 1942 in Aitkin to Harry and Jenny (Wedel) Anderson.  She grew up in Aitkin and graduated from Aitkin High School in 1960.  Laura was united in marriage to Merle “Murph” Grant Peterson at St. John’s Lutheran church, Aitkin on July 14th 1962. They just recently had the opportunity to celebrate their 61st anniversary together with their sons while sharing stories of their time together. She worked at several jobs throughout her life, but her focus was being a wife, Mom, Grandmom, sister, daughter and friend. Laura loved people and created a home that was the center of family gatherings. She stayed connected with her friends and was always available for a chat on the phone or after Sunday morning church service at St. John’s Lutheran, where she was a lifelong member.  Collecting clocks was one of her passions, which would fill the home with chimes. Christmas was a holiday that brought out several trees decorated with ornaments that brought her great joy. She loved to work on her yard making sure the flowers and garden were always weeded and in full bloom! Her and her cousin’s bi-annual garage sales were always top notch with accounting like a fortune 500 company, she was extremely detailed in everything she did.  Having two boys instilled a passion for sports, she was an avid Twins, Vikings and Gopher fan although often frustrated with their performance. If you were lucky enough to have one of her meals or her canned pickles, you know she made it with love. Aitkin was where she spent most of her life and she loved everything about it, but ultimately it was the family, friends and neighbors that truly made it her home. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Jenny Anderson, her beloved sister Barbara Marie (Anderson) Skorich, Brother-in-law Nicholas “Nick” Skorich.  Laura is survived by her husband Merle “Murph” Peterson of Aitkin 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Jason (Sharon) Peterson of Fort Wayne, IN.  Steve (Stella) Peterson of Bentonville, AR.  Grandchildren Isaac, Isabel and Grace of Fort Wayne, Brittany, Houston, Monroe and Mattea of Bentonville, AR.  And many other special relatives and friends.

Services are being planned for a later date.  Burial will be in Saint John’s Cemetery at Cedarbrook..  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Aitkin.  Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.

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