Eleanor Mae Nelson Peterson

Eleanor Mae Nelson Peterson December 18, 1924 - May 24, 2026 Eleanor Mae Nelson Peterson, a beloved matriarch and dedicated community member, 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 the quaint town of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, Eleanor was the cherished 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. A graduate of Ellsworth 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 a sanctuary of beauty and warmth, where she excelled in the arts of entertaining, cooking, and baking. Her gardens, filled with vibrant flowers and lush trees, mirrored her vibrant spirit. A talented seamstress, she crafted numerous outfits for 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 her community with unwavering faith. Her life was a testament to her deep spiritual commitment, as she became a prayer warrior for her family and a cherished member of her caregiving community. Eleanor's legacy is carried on by her surviving family, including her children Glenn (Rose) Peterson, Gayle Richardson, Bruce (Loretta) Peterson, Joan Kasboski, Gerry (Holly) Peterson, Karen (Terry) Dietzler, and her special adopted son, Ermius from Ethiopia. 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, and Bernard Nelson. A service to honor Eleanor’s remarkable life will be held on June 9, 2026, 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 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 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.