Janet M. Peterson, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed away the evening of April 18, 2018 at the age of 84. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 4:30 PM with visitation from 3:00 – 4:30 PM at Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church in Bloomington. Pastor Rhodie Jacobson will preside. Janet will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, on Monday April 30 th at 11:05 AM.
On July 23, 1933, Janet Maurine Coates was born to parents Keneth and Hildred (Clark) Coates. Janet was the third of four children, and she loved growing up with her siblings, Audrey, Keith and Carol. While a girl, Janet’s family moved around the eastern side of Iowa. They lived on a farm for a period of time, and Janet would help with chores. She always enjoyed when the kittens would come around the barn while her father milked the cows.
Eventually her family settled in Clear Lake, Iowa. One afternoon, Janet was relaxing by the water when a nice young man (Bill) cruised by on his sailboat. He yelled out to her, “Wanna go sailing with me?” Janet agreed to be his crew, and the rest is history.
After graduating from Sheffield High School, Janet attended the University of Minnesota where she earned a degree in Sociology. She and Bill remained a couple this entire time. Once they completed their academic obligations, they were married. Bill and Janet exchanged wedding vows in Clear Lake, Iowa on June 14, 1955 and began a life together. As newlyweds, they lived in North Hollywood, California. Then they bounced around a bit before settling in Prior Lake to raise their family.
Bill and Janet were blessed with three children, Gary, Renee and Kristine. At only three weeks old, Kristine died. This was hard for Janet, but her strong faith got her through this difficult time. As a family the Petersons enjoyed boating, flying, fishing and skiing together. They also took many memorable camping trips to places like Colorado, Yellowstone, Canada and the Black Hills. Janet and Bill also spent a lot of time together at their camper on Ham Lake near Park Rapids. This was one of Janet’s favorite places. She loved spending her days on and near the water, and evenings by the bonfire surrounded by family and friends.
Janet was a kind and generous woman. She loved her family deeply and provided a wonderful life for them. She was an avid reader and was able to turn her passion for books into a profession. Janet began working at the Prior Lake Library when a position became available. During this time, she also wrote a column called “Library Potpourri” for the Prior Lake American Newspaper. After 30 years she retired as the Head Librarian. Janet loved her work. She enjoyed leading book clubs and visiting with all the people who came the library.
Although Janet was a quiet lady, there was an adventurous side to her. She enjoyed sailing & boating with Bill. Janet took flying lessons and even soloed an airplane. She was an excellent skier into her 80’s. Janet even skied a black diamond run (by accident) and made it look easy. In more recent years, Janet enjoyed “chalet-ing” just as much as skiing. Janet was also very active at the local health club. She enjoyed working out and drinking coffee with her friends at Dakotah .
Janet loved life and lived it to the fullest. In April she was diagnosed with acute leukemia. After two weeks with this illness, Janet went home to be with the Lord. Her family was by her side every step along the way. Janet will be deeply missed and remembered always by her loving husband, Bill Peterson; children, Gary (Sue) Peterson and Renee (Dennis) Burke; brother, Keith (Margie) Coates; brother-in-law, Bob Burcham; special nephew, Tom Elmer; and many other loving relatives and dear friends. Janet was greeted in Heaven by her infant daughter, Kristine; parents, Keneth & Hildred Coates; and her sisters, Audrey Burcham and Carol (Allen) Kelly.
