Arabelle Peterson was born September 12, 1923 in Akron, Iowa to Clarence and Clara (Knecht) Andrews. She died July 17, 2021 in Alcester, South Dakota at the age of 97 years, 10 months and five days.

Arabelle was raised in southeastern South Dakota, attending country school near Spink. Following her education, she worked for families in the area that needed work done in their homes. She married Gordon Peterson on December 1, 1943. Together they farmed near Nora for many years and raised seven children. After Gordon's death in 1991 she stayed on the farm until moving into Beresford in 2000. She later moved to an apartment in Alcester where she lived for nine years.

Arabelle enjoyed fishing and crocheting. Most of her family has something she had made for them. She will be remembered by her family and friends for having a green thumb, her enjoyment of life and her competitive spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Kevin, daughter, Eunice Richmond, daughter in law Sharon Peterson, granddaughter, J.J. Peterson, great-grandson, T.J. Oleson, and two brothers, Melvin "Bud" and Don Andrews.

Grateful for sharing in her life are her children, Gary (Jane) of Le Mars, IA, Rodney (Kathy) of Le Mars, IA, Cheryl (Dennis) Lounsbery of Beresford, Jason (Deb Braaten) of Alcester and Jarvis (Sharlene) of Alcester; 26 grandchildren, Dawn, Lisa, Heath, Doug, Jeff, Justin, Brent, Clint, Shane, Jon, Shelly, Jaime, Ryan, Kim, Shana, Michael, Justin, Jesse, Jenny, Amy, Abby, Amelia, Ashley, Trevor, Bayleigh, and Kayleah; and 51 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10AM Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Roseni Lutheran Church, rural Beresford. Visitation with the family present will be 5-7PM Wednesday, July 21 ^st at Wass Funeral Chapel in Alcester with a prayer service at 7PM.