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Fern Ann Hartman Peterson, age 97, passed away peacefully at the Alcester Care Center, where she had lived the past seven years, surrounded by love and care.

Fern was born at home near Akron, Iowa, on March 6, 1928, to Harry "Hie" Hartman and Anna "Annie" K. (Beckman) Hartman. She was the beloved twin sister of Florence Margaret Hartman Green. Fern was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron and later confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Alcester, South Dakota. She attended Cole Country School and graduated from Alcester High School.

On March 24, 1948, Fern married Arthur Carl Peterson in a double wedding with her sister Florence at Peace Lutheran Church. Fern and Art made their home in rural Union County, South Dakota, where they farmed side by side and raised their family. They loved spending summers camping at local state parks and spent many winters in Arizona in their 5th-wheel camper. Fern was a devoted homemaker who also helped her mother as a cook at the Corner Café.

Fern was an active member of her community throughout her life. She was involved in Peace Lutheran Ladies Aid, the VFW Auxiliary, BCNU Ladies Club, and participated in many other church and community activities.

Fern had a gift for hospitality and a heart for connection. She loved cooking and sharing recipes—often preparing large, multi-course meals and ensuring everyone was served plenty, then some. Many people continue to use recipes Fern shared and love remembering her when enjoying special dishes. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards (especially "cheating" at cards—she delighted in playfully teaching her great-grandkids how to bend the rules to their advantage), chatting with friends, and making others laugh. She was a fabulous hostess. Her grandchildren remember her always having special things on hand – chicken nuggets, amazing malts, and numerous snacks – and never telling them no. In her later years at the care center, she was known for her spunky and sassy spirit, often competing at bingo and cards, coloring, and brightening the days of those around her. She especially loved flowers—growing them on the farm and receiving them later in life, both of which brought her great joy. And in the eyes of her family, there was nothing Fern couldn't heal with a little Vitamin E.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Art; her son Dave (2010); her twin sister Florence; her parents Harry and Annie; and her siblings Marvin, Norman, Lillian, Shirley, Edward, and Esther.

She is survived by her son, Mike (Lorna) Peterson of Alcester; daughter-in-law, Carla Peterson of Des Moines, IA; four grandchildren, Brandon (Becky) Peterson, Kristen (Jason) Meyer, Kaija Peterson (Jeff Keenan), and Natalie Peterson; seven great-grandchildren, Blake, Brady, Peyton, Jackson, Kymber, Hudson, and Ayden; her sister, Mary Jean Rogness; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Alcester Care Center for the outstanding care and kindness they gave Fern during her final years.