Anna Peterson

Anna Peterson, 98, of Centerville, SD, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Centerville Care and Rehab Center in Centerville. Her Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville. Visitation with the family present will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family burial will be held at Rosehill Cemetery in Viborg, SD. In lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Scandia Lutheran Church or CCRC in Anna’s name.

Anna Mae Peterson was born on June 7, 1927, to Martin and Ida (Peterson) Miller. She was the middle child, growing up alongside her older sister Mary (Bruneau) and later her younger brother, Robert “Sonny” Miller. Anna attended country school with her sister for as long as she could keep up, showing determination even at a young age. She later graduated from Hurley High School in 1944 at just 16 years old.

Following graduation, Anna began working at Gloed’s Hardware Store in Viborg. In June of 1948, she married Jimmy Peterson, and together they built a life and family. From this union came three beloved children: Dean Allen, Debra Ann, and Joni Kaye. Anna embraced her role as a full-time mother and homemaker, creating a home filled with care and lasting memories.

Anna had a deep love for travel and adventure. Whether it was taking the train to California with her three children to visit her sister Mary or exploring the world later in life with her longtime companion, Doc C.C. Pascale, she cherished every journey. Her travels took her to Italy, Denmark, Germany, Texas, Kentucky Derby, and many visits to see Joni and her family in Oklahoma, among many other destinations.

She dedicated 46 years of service to the Good Samaritan Society (now Centerville Care & Rehab), where she worked as a nurse’s aide, med aide, and eventually a bath aide. Her compassion and strong work ethic touched the lives of many.

Anna was fiercely independent and remained living on her own until December of 2023, when she entered the care center. Throughout her life, she stayed active and engaged in the things she loved. She enjoyed word searches, playing FreeCell, being part of the Red Hats and Rebekahs, The Garden Club, The Extension Club, the 20th Century Club, dancing, rummage sales, and collecting Centennial quarters. She treasured coffee groups at Scandia, Sioux Falls breakfasts at Perkins, and porch drinks with friends. Most of all, she loved time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending their many activities and milestones.

Anna had a special talent for crocheting and created hundreds of beautiful baby afghans, each one made with love. In 2019, she was proudly crowned Danish Days Queen—an honor she cherished and loved to talk about, often reminding others of her “Danish royalty.”

Anna Mae will be remembered for her spirited nature, her independence, her kindness, and her unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely.

Anna is survived by her daughters, Deb and Chuck Bertrand, and Joni and Tom Flesher; grandchildren, Jill (Todd) Yost, Jeff (Marielle) Peterson, Bridget (Thedorff) Smith, Lesley (Travis) Hanson, Jennifer Bertrand (Kevin Hinrichs), Tommy (Lindsay) Flesher, Tricia (Jon) Eide, Bill Flesher, Jesse (Sarah) Peterson, David (Christina) Shearer, and Mike Flesher; 22 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Anna was preceded in death by her son, Dean; brother, Sonny and Barb Miller; sister, Mary and Ralph Bruneau, and Doc CC Pascale.