Eleanor Mae Peterson

Eleanor Mae Nelson Peterson, a beloved matriarch and faithful servant of her Lord, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at Comforts of Home in River Falls, Wisconsin, at the age of 101. Born on December 18, 1924, in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, Eleanor was the daughter of Hjalmar and Mabel Nelson. Her early life was steeped in faith and community, having been baptized in February 1925 at the Sabylund Lutheran Church in Lund, Wisconsin, and confirmed at Tabor Lutheran Church in Bay City, Wisconsin.

Eleanor's life was a tapestry of love, faith, and family. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Victor N. Peterson, whom she married on June 10, 1944, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, where Victor worked as a power-lineman for Pierce-Pepin Electric.

Eleanor attended Forest Hills rural school, Ellsworth High School, and after her family moved to River Falls, she graduated from River Falls High School. Eleanor furthered her education at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for creativity led her back to UWRF after raising her children, where she pursued credits in Creative Writing and Choral Music Conducting.

Eleanor dedicated her life to creating a nurturing home, both physically and spiritually. Her home was filled with beauty and warmth, where she excelled in the arts of entertaining, cooking, and baking. Her yard was filled with vibrant flowers, many varieties of trees, and a productive fruit and vegetable garden every year. A talented seamstress, she crafted numerous outfits for herself and her family, often designing her own patterns inspired by magazine pictures.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of Bethel Covenant Church and a charter member of Zion Covenant Church for 46 years, Eleanor held various leadership roles, including that of Sunday School Superintendent and Chair of Covenant Women. Her love for music shone through her participation and leadership in church choirs.

In her later years, Eleanor returned to her Lutheran roots at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing, Minnesota, where she continued to serve by teaching High School Sunday School, and being a member of Lutheran Church Women, and the Red Wing Swedish Singers. Her life was a testament to her deep spiritual commitment, as she became a prayer warrior for her family, and her extended family at the Village Co-op in Red Wing, MN, and Comforts of Home in River Falls, WI.

Eleanor's legacy is carried on by her surviving family, including her children Glenn (Rose) Peterson of Arkansaw, WI, Gayle Richardson of Gresham, OR, Bruce (Loretta) Peterson of River Falls, WI, Joan Kasboski of Nashville, TN, Gerry (Holly) Peterson of Red Wing, MN, Karen (Terry) Dietzler of Reed Point, MT, and her special adopted son, Ermias Sime originally from Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia, now from St. Paul, MN. She leaves behind a loving family of 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Eleanor is reunited in peace with her husband, Victor, her son Brian, and her siblings Irene Hilden, Hildur Peterson, Ruth McKinley, Paul Nelson, and Bernard Nelson.

A service to honor Eleanor’s remarkable life will be held on June 9, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, 615 W 5th Street, Red Wing, MN 55066. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Village Co-op in Red Wing, and Comforts of Home in River Falls for providing Eleanor with a life enriched by friendship and outstanding care.

In celebration of Eleanor’s life, we remember her favorite chapter of the Bible ~ Psalm 116~ and cherish the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will always be loved beyond measure.

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.