Mary A. Peterson

Mary Ann Peterson, 86, of Sioux Falls, SD, and formerly of Whitehall, died Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mary was born July 16, 1934, in Eau Claire, to Oliver and Agnes (Halverson) Hawkenson. She was united in marriage to Gordon F. Peterson, September 17, 1955.

Mary worked as a homemaker, “beauty operator,” cosmetology instructor and fine jewelry sales manager. She greatly enjoyed all of these jobs, but her number one priority was raising her family. Mary loved her faith and the Lord. She also loved camping, pontooning, flower gardening, flea and farmers’ markets, reading, attending grandchildrens’ sporting events, cooking, baking and anything involving family. Mary lived valiantly, fighting severe rheumatoid arthritis. After retirement, her favorite saying was, “If I could, I would still be working…and driving.” What she lacked in height, she made up for with her very feisty attitude.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children, Gwendolyn Peterson of Sioux Falls, Michele (Alan) Barneson of Eleva, Jamie Peterson (Mark Garmoe) of Windsor Heights, IA, Gregory (Sandra) Peterson of Waconia, MN, and Sara (Randall) Stewart of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren: Reagen (Clint) Redman, Parker Stewart, Connor Emma Stewart, and Maxwell Peterson; two step-grandchildren: Aaron Barneson and Adam (Mary) Barneson; six great-grandchildren: Carter, Piper, Ashtyn, Crew, Braxton, and Presley; her sister, Beverly (Daniel) Brey of La Crosse; sisters-in-law: Jackie Hawkenson of Eleva and Janet Peterson of Holmen; and other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by parents, Oliver and Agnes (Halverson) Hawkenson; husband, Gordon F. Peterson; son, Michael Peterson; brother, Gerald Hawkenson; infant sister; and grandchild, Elsa Peterson.

Per her wishes, a graveside service will be held Saturday, May 1, at 1:00 p.m., at Chimney Rock Cemetery.