Rita Mae Peterson

Rita Mae Elizabeth Peterson, 91, of Lewiston, MN, died Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Sauer Memorial Home in Winona, MN. Rita Mae was born March 14, 1923 to William and Cecilia (Schauls) Kunst in Caledonia, MN. During the depression her family moved to Nodine, MN to live with her dad's parents on their farm where her Mother died when Rita Mae was 11. She took on the Mother role to help raise her siblings, who called her "Mae Mae". Later the family moved to a farm near LaCrescent, MN, and finally purchased a farm near Rushford, MN.Rita Mae knew Leon Peterson from all the dances they went to before he went in the Army during World War II. They wrote during the war and when Leon returned he called on her to go dancing, and they were married on November 20, 1946. Rita Mae and Leon farmed around the Lewiston area, built the Lewiston Livestock Barn, and later she spent more than 35 years working at Camera Art, a job she loved. Rita Mae liked to polka dance and was known as the "Polka Grandma" by her grandkids. She was an excellent cook, loved to make assorted pies and entertain her family and friends. Rita Mae was a faithful member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, a member of the Lewiston Lioness organization and the American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include her four children; Sherry (Wayne) Linander of Rochester, Edward Peterson (Twyla Peterson) of Lewiston, Audrey (Tom) McMorris of Mesa, AZ and James Peterson (Mary Ballard) of Lewiston. She has six grandchildren; Amy Hendrickson, Teresa Linander, Anita Werner, John Peterson, Christopher Hornberg, Melissa Hornberg and seven great-grandchildren. She has a sister Winifred Philipps of Rochester, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, in 1984 and two brothers LeRoy and Robert Kunst. A Funeral Mass will he held at 11:00 AM Monday, November 10, at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston with the Reverent Glenn Frerichs officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church from 4:00-7:00 PM Sunday and 10:00 -11:00 AM Monday. Please share a memory of Rita Mae with her family, view her video tribute and read her complete life story when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/538502