Verna M. Peterson

Verna Maxine (Thayer) Peterson age 88 of Rochester passed away in her home July 28, 2013. She was born August 3, 1924 in Belmond, Iowa to John & Lida (Mason) Thayer.Her family moved to the Rochester area in 1945 from Toledo, Iowa.She married Walton E. Peterson on September 6, 1947 in Kasson and he preceded her in death September 22, 2005.They took up farming and resided on the farm in rural Kasson and eventually a larger farm in rural Rochester before moving into town in 1963. After leaving the farm, Verna became a nurses aide and worked at St. Marys Hospital and several nursing homes.She enjoyed cooking, canning, reading, music, tending to her flower gardens, camping, and hiking.She was very artistic and enjoyed sewing and doing crafts. Surviving are her children: Marcia Peterson of Kasson, Delores DeeDee Stafford (Marvin) of Dodge Center, Kenneth Peterson (Cindy) of Crocker, MO and Russell Peterson (Karin) of Grand Meadow.Seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive, along with a half brother Larry Ruiter (Betsy) of Cedar Rapids, IA.She was preceded in death by her husband, a grandson, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. A memorial service will be held 11 AM Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes.Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson.Visitation will be 6-8 PM Friday, August 2, 2013 and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com