Virginia "Gin" R. (Denbow) Peterson, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Centerville Care and Rehab Center with family by her side.  Gin was born on November 11, 1933 to John and Cecil (Dewey) Denbow in Hurley, SD. She graduated from Hurley High School in 1951.

She met the love of her life, Don Peterson, in Hurley, and they were married on April 29, 1951.  Don and Gin moved to Centerville after Don returned from Korea to start their farming career. In addition to raising five children, doing livestock chores and raising 300 chickens was a part of her daily life. She worked at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg for several years as an aide. She worked many 11-7 overnight shifts so she could be home during the day with her family. Picking weeds out of the ditches and drying them to create floral arrangements became her passion, which led to Gin starting her own business. Floral Fantasies by Gin started at their family farm and later moved to Broadway Street in Centerville.  She was the sole owner and operator until she was almost 80 years old.  She was proud to provide personalized and unique service arrangements for weddings, funerals, special events, and holidays for the community and surrounding area for many years.

Don and Gin always made Christmas a memorable event for their family. Often feeding twenty or more family members her signature lasagna, scalloped corn, peppermint dessert, and caramel rolls in addition to other shenanigans, she had a knack for making everyone in the family feel special.

The Friendly "FU" Extension club held a special place in her heart where she made life-long friends. Through hard times and loss, together they raised their children with friendship and support.  She always encouraged her children and her friends' children to do their best at whatever they did. Gin was a pillar of support and fun for those that knew her.

Gin was a life-long member of Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville.

Forever grateful for having shared her life are her children Jene (Mark) Fodness, Albuquerque, NM; Gordon (Kathy), Rooney Lake, WI; Gary (Julie), Beresford, SD; Gaylon (Michele), Florida; Kelli (Jim) Corrigan, Sioux Falls, SD. She cherished her grandchildren Sara, Eric, Chris, Chad, Jarrod, Brandon, Nick, and Jack as well as great-grandchildren. Friends (with whom she shared many adventures and laughs with), and nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart. Her cat, Callie, was a huge comfort and companion to her in later years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Don, parents, sisters Neva and Lorraine, and niece Cheryl Ann. Blessed be her memory!

Funeral services will be 10AM Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Scandia Lutheran Church, 251 Broadway St., Centerville, SD. Visitation will be 5-7PM Tuesday in the church fellowship hall. The family requests memorials be directed to Riverview Cemetery c/o Don Miller, 311 Lincoln St., Centerville, SD 57014 or the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society online or at 3720 E. Benson RD, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.