Audrey May Peterson, 89, formerly of Dassel/Cokato, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on March 1, 1937, to Levi and Ina (Hasti) Rokala at their farmhouse near Kingston, Minnesota. Audrey was baptized and confirmed in the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Cokato. She attended Kingston Elementary School and graduated in 1955 from Dassel High School.
On June 1, 1957, Audrey united in marriage to Ronald J. Peterson. The two were married for 68 years and raised seven children. They moved to Arizona in 1976. After raising children, Audrey continued her education and graduated from Grand Canyon College in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Audrey was a dedicated teacher, devoting herself tirelessly to educating students for 20 years in Peoria, Arizona. She retired in 2000.
During retirement, Audrey valued her time with family and friends, especially her
31 grandchildren and 77 great-grandchildren. Her hobbies were baking
cardamon bread (her family’s favorite), quilting, and solving sundry puzzles.
Audrey loved music and was a talented pianist. She enjoyed sharing the hymns
that touched her soul. As written in Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking to yourselves in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart
to the Lord.” Audrey will be remembered by her family and friends for her spunky
personality, independent spirit, and beautiful smile.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Ina Rokala; brothers,
John Rokala and Milton Rokala; sister, Ruth Janckila; son-in-law, Bernie
Delaney; and grandson, Chase Falls.
Audrey is survived by her husband, Ronald John Peterson; their children, Lynda
Skoog-Peterson, Aaron (Lynda) Peterson, Larry (Kathryn) Peterson, Anne
Peterson, Jeanne Falls Delaney, Sara Peterson, Colleen (Mark) Daavettila;
brother, Carl (Bev) Rokala; sisters, MaryAnn Harkman and Margaret Mattila;
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many
friends.
Those who loved her and were touched by her faith, kindness, and friendship will
always have memories of her easygoing personality and willingness to share a
part of her life. Our memories of her will forever remain in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitation is
one hour prior to service at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Litchfield,
Minnesota.
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