Bernice P. Peterson

Bernice Porter Peterson, 87, entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ on October 16, 2014 in Mankato, Minnesota. Born on September 22, 1927, to Laura (Porter) and Arthur R. Johnson in Superior, Wisconsin, she reunites with her parents, brother Russell, sister Irma, family and friends, and she will welcome all who have trusted in Christ for their salvation. Bernice leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Grant, her daughter, Christie Jones (Ron) of Mankato, her daughter, Ann Dutze (David) of McKinney, TX, and her son, Scott Peterson (Stephanie) of Los Alamitos ,CA. Bernice was blessed with ten wonderful grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Cheralynn Gangl (Troy), Melissa Jones, Brain Dutze, Eric Dutze, Benjamin Dutze, Gabriel Dutze, Diana Dutze, Joseph Peterson, Hannah Peterson, and Rebekah Peterson. Bernice also welcomed one great-grandchild, Ellie Gangl. Bernice lived a life of loving and faithful commitment to her Lord Jesus Christ, to her family, and to others. Bernice publically confessed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord at Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Superior) in 1941. After graduating from Superior Central High School and St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing (Duluth), she attended and graduated with RN and BS degrees from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Graduate studies in Pediatrics at the University of Chicago followed. While at Gustavus, she met her life-long companion and future husband, Grant. They were united in marriage on April 13, 1953 in Moose Lake, MN, and they soon moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where she worked at the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. After a year there, they moved back to Minnesota and resided in Adams from 1954 to 1970 where their kids were born. The family moved to Austin in 1970 and Mankato in 2001. Before she retired in 1990, Bernice found rewarding employment as an RN at St. Olaf Hospital, St. Marks Nursing Home, Mower County Public Health, as well as being involved in camp nursing and teaching nursing students. Bernice enjoyed many activities. Hard-working, detailed, and practical, she was a people-person who had much joy and fulfillment in teaching kids in Sunday school, involvement in women's bible studies, Stephan Ministries, and women's ministries. As a person of prayer, she and Grant intentionally shared their faith and love of Jesus in family devotions. Bernice greatly enjoyed vacations to visit family and friends and to have people over for conversation and treats. Other interests included her many years of compiling family photo albums, stamp collecting, needlework, reading, and intensely watching Jeopardy; her competitive side would come to life while playing friendly games of Dominos and Rummikub. Bernice will be forever and fondly remembered for her organizing the traditional family Christmas cookie decorating contest. A faithful woman of God, devoted wife, and loving mother, Bernice will be missed until we see her again in God's eternal home. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Dr. Scott E. Olson officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.Burial service is Monday, October 27th at 1:05pm at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.