Joan C. Peterman

Joan Caroline Peterman, age 88, of Mankato went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Mayo Health Systems Mankato surrounded by family.

Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., May 9, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be two hours prior, starting at 9:00. Private family burial in Zumbrota, MN at a later date. Memorials preferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the family or a charity of your choice. 

Joan was born June 27, 1936, to Ernest and Lorena (Werth) Trelstad. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at United Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. She graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1954 and earned her associate's degree in education from Mankato State College.

Joan married her high school sweetheart, Richard “Dick” E. Peterman on February 9, 1957. They were blessed to be married for 34 years and made their home in North Mankato where they raised their family of five children. In her eyes, being a mother/grandmother/great-grandmother was her most fulfilling life achievement.

She was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church enjoying serving on Human Care Board, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Altar Guild and teaching Sunday School.

She was active in Girl Scouting and involved with Cub & Boy Scouts. Volunteering for VINE and Habitat for Humanity brought her joy and friendships. Later she would be on the receiving end of VINE's wonderful volunteer program.

Being a Ramblin’ Roses “Red Hat” lady allowed her to make more friends. Working as a Title 1 aid and later as a secretary for Mankato Area Public Schools allowed her to work in education and retire in 1996. After retiring she was an officer and member of the Retired Educators group.

Knitting, flower gardening, reading, doll collecting, playing 500 with several clubs (including Nicollet Avenue neighborhood ladies that played together for 50+ years) were hobbies she especially enjoyed. Over the years she acquired many many many angels from friends and loved ones who knew she was drawn to the earthly symbol of spiritual beings.

Joan is survived by three daughters, Jeanne (Bruce) Anderson, Jan Karels, Kari (Bryan) Wray, and one son, Kent (Lisa) Peterman, daughter in law Judy Burnett; grandchildren, Connor (Sarah) Wray, Andrew (fiance Alyssa Lund) Wray, Alec (Jordan) Karels, Eliott Peterman (special friend, Olivia Matthews); great-grandchildren, Ethan and Noah Wray; brother, Jim (Paulette) Trelstad, step-sister Chari (Phil) Hansen, sister-in-law, Carol Peterman; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Lorena Trelstad; husband, Richard (1991); father and mother-in-law, Richard, Sr. and Henrietta (Fitschen) Peterman; son, Keith (2006), son-in-law, Scott Karels (2022), grandson, Jared Peterman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Luverne and Susan Peterman, brother-in-laws, Kenny, Dean and Iver Peterman; step-mother, Ruth Miller Trelstad.

The family greatly appreciates the many big hearted care givers from Freedom Home Healthcare and Ecumen Pathstone Assisted Living and Long Term Care Team who cared for Joan the past 8 years. Our deepest gratitude also goes to the Emergency Room team at Mayo Mankato who went above and beyond for our mother and us during her final hours.