Jean A. Peterson

Jean A. Peterson, 83, Grand Forks, died Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Valley Memorial Homes Eldercare Center, Grand Forks. Jean Alice Mitz was born to Karl and Eva (Hart) Mitz on March 14, 1926 at Drayton, North Dakota. She was raised and educated at Drayton, graduating as Valedictorian of the Drayton High School Class of 1944. Jean and Mentor Peterson were married on November 16, 1952 at Drayton. They moved to Grand Forks in 1957. Jean was employed in Grand Forks as an interior house painter, by Altru Hospital, and later by UND. Jean loved her grandchildren and following their activities, Calvary Lutheran Church and was active in many committees and activities there. She enjoyed decorative painting, flower gardens, birds, and dogs. Jean is survived by her daughters; Cindy (Gary) Purpur, Grand Forks, Lori (Michael) Brooks, Thief River Falls, MN; her grandchildren, Laura (Eric) Kendall, Grand Forks, Brandon Jorgenson, Fargo, ND, Gina Purpur, Fargo, ND, Justin Brooks, Bemidji, MN, Brady Brooks, Thief River Falls, MN; and great grandchildren, Brody, and McCain Kendall. She is preceded in death by her husband Mentor who died February 28, 1987, her parents, and brothers, Herb and Donald.