Violet Jean Peterson

Violet Jean Peterson passed away January 1, 2014 at Valley Eldercare, surrounded by her family; where she had been a resident for the past year. Violet was born July 26, 1923 to Jake and Lura (Allen) Achttien in Clear Lake, Minnesota. She grew up in Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School. During World War II she lived in Sacramento, CA and worked for Goodyear Tire Company and volunteered at the USO club. On November 18, 1945 she married Melvin E. Peterson at First United Methodist Church in Grand Forks. She was a secretary at the church during that time. Melvin & Violet Jean had met at Methodist Youth Fellowship and the church was always a very important part of their life. They were blessed with two children, Sharon and David. Later, Violet went to work as school secretary for Lewis and Clark Elementary School. In 1959, she took a position as head of payroll for the University of North Dakota. She retired from that position in 1984. Throughout Violet's life, she was active in her church circle, Homemakers, Order of Eastern Star, ARC, Rebekahs, and square dancing. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, and baking. The important joys of her life were her family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1969 they purchased a cabin at Birch Beach on Lake of the Woods. Violet and Melvin enjoyed many wonderful years of fishing and family time at the lake. In retirement, they had wonderful memories of travels around the USA. Violet is survived by her daughter, Sharon (James) Holter and son David both of Grand Forks. Her grandchildren Jeffery (Becky) Holter, South Range, WI; Kari Holter, Grand Forks; Great Grandchildren Katie, Emily and Nathaniel Holter, all of South Range, WI. Brothers John (Char) Achttien of Marble Falls, TX and Donald Achttien of Sugar Land, TX. One sister, Carol (Duane) Knutson of Colorado Springs, CO; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin of 64 years. Her parents, brother, Earl Achttien; her husband's parents as well as her sister-in-laws and brother-in-law. Funeral Services: 11 AM, Saturday, January 4th at Wesley United Methodist Church in Grand Forks with viewing at 10 AM prior to the service. A guestbook may be signed or viewed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com