Iris M Peterson

Iris M. Peterson, 103, formerly of Kerkhoven, died Monday, August 17, 2026, at Copper Leaf Senior Living in Willmar. Her memorial service will be at 2:00 pm, Sunday, August 23rd at Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar and can be viewed at https://my.gather.app/remember/iris-peterson. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service. www.hafh.org

Iris May Peterson was born October 21, 1922, in Newell, South Dakota, the daughter of Calvin J. and Selma C. (Anderson) Watkins. She attended country school near Newell, riding her horse nearly three miles to school. Iris later graduated from Kerkhoven High School with the Class of 1941.

On June 28, 1946, Iris was united in marriage to Loren Peterson at Bethel Baptist Church in Kerkhoven. Following their marriage, they lived in DeGraff and Pennock before moving to the Kerkhoven area. In 1963, they moved into Kerkhoven.

Iris devoted herself to raising her family and later worked as a bookkeeper at the Kerkhoven Creamery. She also served as a custodian at Bethel Baptist Church and worked as a teacher’s aide for the Kerkhoven schools from 1965 until her retirement in 1978. Following her retirement from the schools, Iris continued working as a custodian at Bethel Baptist Church until 2007.

Iris was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church throughout her life. She served as a Sunday school superintendent and teacher and was involved with BCW, Girls Guild, and Awana. She also served as a Cub Scout leader and was a member of the Senior Citizens.

Iris enjoyed knitting and crocheting and made many afghans and mittens for family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing games with her family and many friends. Her faith, dedication to her family, and willingness to serve others were important parts of her life.

Surviving are her son: Bill Peterson of Little Falls; grandson: Wade Peterson and his children: Bailee and Griffin, grandson: Chad (Jennie) Peterson and their daughter Evelyn; son: Tim (Kay) Peterson of Bagley; grandson: Spencer (Amy) Peterson and their children: Charlie, Esther and Jack; grandson: Jerome (Sarah) Peterson and their sons: Wesley and Oliver; and grandson, Landon Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren, daughters: Marilee and one in infancy; parents and 8 siblings.

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