Donna M. Peterson

Donna Marie Peterson (nee Anacker), born October 5, 1924, age 98, of North Oaks, Minnesota, died peacefully March 21, 2023, surrounded by family. 

Donna started taking dancing lessons at eight years old from Dorothy Lundstrom at the Ascension Club.  She danced and sang at small town fairs, the Minnesota State Fair, night clubs and theaters.  During WWII, she performed in New York City and Toronto as part of the Terry Tones Trio, and later danced for several seasons with the Minneapolis Aquatennial Aqua Follies at Theodore Wirth Park.  Ray and Donna retired to Mesa, Arizona in 1980 where Donna started clogging and performed in many shows over the next twenty years. 

Donna was the receptionist for many years at the ENT office of Drs Priest, Ulvestad Richardson et al in the Medical Arts Building in Minneapolis.  Later she was the executive secretary at Bethany Nursing Home in Fargo, North Dakota. 

She was a proud donor to the United Blood Service, 2 gallons 1941-1997.

Ray’s health deteriorated and in 2006 they returned to Minnesota to be near family.  They were among the first residents of a new Presbyterian Homes campus called Waverly Gardens in North Oaks, Minnesota.  Following Ray’s death, Donna became an active volunteer at Family Pathways in Forest Lake, Minnesota where she formed many wonderful friendships.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Marie Anacker; husband of 62 years, Ray E. Peterson.  She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Mary): grandchildren, Eric (Amy), Jami; great grandchildren, Max, Greta, Cameron, Allison, Olivia, Ella; sister, Marilynn Weber. 

Donna’s life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9300 Scandia Trail North, Forest Lake.  The family will greet friends beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Family Pathways, 6413 Oak Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056.