Julia A. (Kristenson) Peterson

August 22, 1926—September 12, 2024

Julia Aletta (Kristenson) Peterson, 98, died at Majestic Pines, Grand Rapids, MN, on September 12, 2024. Julia was born August 22, 1926 in Leeds, North Dakota to Knute and Hannah (Engstrom) Kristenson. Julia graduated from Leeds High School then attended the University of Minnesota where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics Education. Julia taught home economics in Cloquet and Wallker, MN before moving to Grand Rapids in 1958 with her husband where she taught in the Grand Rapids school district for 34 years.

Julia loved her Lord and the church. A long-time active member of Zion Lutheran Church, she chaired the Social Ministry Committee for many years. She devoted countless hours preparing and serving luncheons, dinners and funeral receptions for her congregation family.

Not only did Julia teach hundreds of area high school students the nearly-lost art of cooking and sewing, she was also instrumental in starting the Teenage Parent Program (TAPP). This program, which also provided childcare, would be one of the first to encourage young mothers to continue their high school education amidst the challenges of teenage parenthood.

After retirement, Julia enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, Raymond, particularly for his WWII Destroyer Annual Reunions. Standing on Normandy Beach on the 50th Anniversary of D-Day was a special memory for them. Julia and Raymond made many trips to abroad, and visiting her father's birthplace in Ringebu, Norway was a treasured experience.

As a woman with a kind and grace-filled heart, Julia was a beloved gift to all who knew her, but especially to her family. She spent many hours on the road and  in the stands cheering on her children and grandchildren's life and sports adventures. An avid football fan, Julia spent many a Sunday in front of the TV cheering on her favorite pro and college teams, especially her beloved Minnesota Gophers. More than anything though, she enjoyed just spending time with loved ones, whether at her cabin on Pokegama Lake in years past or at her place at Majestic Pines more recently. She showed her devotion in so many ways, but particularly in the sewing, altering and mending of thousands of garments over the decades, and of course, there were her amazing meals--her Thanksgiving Feast was remarkable. Julia with be deeply missed.

Julia's family would like to extend a most heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff at Majestic Pines and Essentia Hospice for the loving care she received over the last years of her life. You are angels on earth. God Bless You!

Julia is survived by daughter, Patricia Haimes (Tony) Rochester, MN; son, Thomas Peterson (Linda) Cohasset, MN; son, James Peterson (Chris) Sartell, MN: daughter, Kathryn Sullivan (Keith) Bloomington, MN. She is also survived by ten (10) grandchildren, five (5) great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Julia is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Peterson, her parents Knute and Hannah Kristenson, and her brother, Kermit Kristenson.

Funeral services for Julia will be Monday, September 23, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN at 11:00am with visitation beginning at 10:00am. The Rev. David Anderson will officiate the service. Interment will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery.