Jean Peterson

To join Jean's Family for her Celebration of Life please click on the following link Jean's Celebration of Life

M. Jean Peterson, 82, Moorhead, MN, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Lilac Homes, Dilworth, MN.

Mildred “Jean” Peterson was born on August 4, 1943, on a farm near Martin, North Dakota, to Conrad and Christeen (Kessler) Michelson. As the youngest of eight children, she grew up attending school in Martin.

Jean dedicated 33 years of her life to serving the Eastern North Dakota Synod, working under the guidance of five Bishops during her tenure. It was through her work with Lutheran Social Services that she met Larry, and together they shared over 40 years of marriage filled with deep devotion and love, beginning April 25, 1986.

A woman of many talents and passions, Jean found joy in tending to her garden, baking, knitting, and crocheting. She generously shared the fruits of her labor with those around her through homemade salsa, pickles, monster cookies, prayer shawls, and hats.

She cherished the time spent with her three grandchildren and maintained a wide circle of friends. Jean was a devoted member of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Moorhead.

Jean will be remembered and missed by her husband, Larry; her children, Mike (Kris) Helm of Cape Coral, FL, Kim (Doug) Gunderson of West Fargo, ND, Monte (Melissa) Helm of Lees Summit, MO; three grandchildren, Isabella Helm of St. Petersburg, FL, Greyson Helm and Myles Helm of Lees Summit, MO; one sister, Shirley Horn; and one brother, Bud Michelson.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Larry Michelson, Robert Michelson and Vic Michelson; and two sisters, Laverne Krueger and Florence Freuh.

A memorial service honoring Jean will be Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 2PM in The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead.