Bettie Jane Peterson

Bettie Jane Peterson, age 83, of Hudson WI, passed away peacefully November 30, 2025 surrounded by family.

Bettie was born October 13, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Sandy and Ida Jordet. She spent most of her childhood in Granite Falls and then Murdock, MN. She spent many hours playing with cousins, spending time with family, and riding her horse Prince, even training him to sit.

On March 21, 1964, she married her college sweetheart Duane (Pete) Peterson in Murdock MN. They were married for 60 memorable years, providing a wonderful legacy for family and friends.

Bettie was a LPN at numerous hospitals, including St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul and Maplewood, MN and a veterans hospital in Billerica, MA.

She consistently advocated for her patients and firmly challenged the doctors and other staff when needed as well as staying after her shift to make sure her patients were taken care of. Her patients and coworkers spoke of her as a very kind, loving, and compassionate person.

After retiring, Bettie and Pete traveled the world not only for leisure but also through their involvement with Global Volunteers, Road Scholars, and mission trips dedicated to supporting the communities and cultures they encountered. Their work included teaching, researching, and building—or rebuilding—local infrastructure, always striving to leave each place better than they found it. Every journey added new memories and stories that enriched the legacy of Bettie and Pete. Some of their destinations included: Costa Rica, Ecuador, China, the Cook Islands, Greece, Iceland, Hawaii, New Zealand, Italy, Norway, Tanzania, Mexico, Jamaica and Galapagos Islands.

Bettie was an extremely talented water color and pastel pencil artist. Some of her work was also displayed at the Phipps Center for the Arts and at Kelley Gallery in Hudson. She created beautiful nature scenes, animals, city and landscapes, and churches, but her most treasured works were the portraits of her grandchildren. Many family members and friends proudly display these cherished keepsakes in their homes.

She remained deeply involved in her community, giving her time to Operation Help, Dorothy Day, and spending countless hours serving at Bethel Lutheran Church (earning her the name of “Church Lady” from her family). She was an active member of the Red Hats and made many long lasting friends.

Bettie was the best wife, mom, grandma, nana, friend and many other titles. You could always count on her to love you, help you, hug you, be silly with you and be there for you. We will treasure moments and share stories of her and Dads playful banter. Her wicked sense of humor and perfectly timed zingers kept everyone laughing.

Bettie will remain in the hearts of her daughters, Kim, Shawn (Mike) Binkowski, Tania (Jeff) McIntyre; grandchildren, Erik, Jake, Marin, Meghan, Colten and Tiana; brother Milo (Jeanie) Jordet, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends, all of whom have a lifetime of memories, lessons and love to be passed on for generations to come. Bettie was dearly loved by many and will be deeply missed. She is preceded in death by her husband Pete, mother Ida, father Sandy and brother Les.

Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM. Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 20 at Bethel Lutheran Church - Downtown, 920 Third St. Hudson WI. Urn placement at Bethel Lutheran Church - Highlands Columbarium following luncheon for immediate family.

Memorials preferred to Operation Help - www.operationhelpstcroix.org.