Genevieve 'Gen' Peterson, 92

May 2, 1934 -

October 7, 2026

 

  Genevieve “Gen” Peterson, age 92, of Cresco, Iowa passed away on October 7, 2026, at Spring Valley Living in Spring Valley, MN, which had been her home for the last two years.

Genevieve was born on May 2, 1934 in Madison, WI to Marvin Ingveld Yngsdahl and Viola Gertrude (Wilson) Yngsdahl. She attended Pumpkin Hollow grade school and graduated from high school in Deforest, WI with the Class of 1953.  While in high school Gen found her love for music.  She played the alto sax in both the marching and dancing band.  

On October 3, 1953 she married the love of her life, Calvin Charles Peterson at the First Lutheran Church in Cresco.  Gen and Cal spent a number of years traveling and living on several different Air Force bases while raising their four children.  Gen not only was busy raising her family, but also began nursing school in Marquette, Michigan at Northern Michigan University. 

In 1973, they moved from Michigan and made Cresco their home.  During this time Gen completed her registered nursing degree at Area 1 Vocational Technical School (known today as Northeast Iowa Community College) in Calmar, IA.  This was not only a proud moment for Gen, but for her father as well.  Gen was very close to her father and they shared a very special bond.  He believed in her and allowed her to discover her interests from a very young age.

Gen worked at the Cresco Hospital in the emergency department and was a nurse at the Evans Memorial Home. Some days ending her shift at the nursing home only to go directly to the hospital where she was needed. Gen shared her knowledge and love for nursing by teaching courses at the college. She loved her role as a caregiver and continued working until her retirement from the Evans Home in 2006. 

Gen was a faithful member of First Congregational Church for many years.  She belonged to the VFW, American Legion and hospital auxiliaries, where she held several positions over the years. She was also a member of the Wisconsin Grand Court Amaranth. 

Gen was an avid reader, collecting hundreds upon hundreds of books over the years.  She loved to sew and made many clothing items not only for herself, but her children as well. She enjoyed growing flowers in her gardens, golfing with friends, and was the first to say “let me grab my purse” when invited on the next shopping trip.  She enjoyed playing the card game, Spite Malice, with Bob for hours when he came home to visit. Gen also had a special place in her heart for cats. 

Survivors include her daughter Anne (Gary) Landswerk, daughters-in-law Cindy Peterson and Janet Peterson, six grandchildren: Amber, Garrett, Tevia, Megan, Laura and Rebecca, ten great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Donna Yngsdahl, Gladys Peterson and Debra Peterson, along with several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Cal in 2006, three children: Susan (Tex) Stone, James “Jim” Peterson and Robert “Bob” Peterson, grandson Rob Peterson, sister Beverly (Ray) Annen, brother Marvin ”Bud” Yngsdahl Jr., brothers-in-law Norman (Martha) Peterson and Gary Peterson, and a sister-in-law Betty (John) Cahoon. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Spring Valley Living and St. Croix Hospice for the loving care and compassion that Gen received.  

Memorials may be directed to the Fremont Cemetery in honor of Gen.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at First Congregational Church in Cresco with Pastor Tim Sir officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday morning.  Burial will take place in the Fremont Cemetery in rural Cresco, Iowa.  Schmelzer Funeral Home is handling arrangements.