Junis Peterson

Junis was born on March 19, 1935 in Milaca, Minnesota to Carl and Francis (Hiljus) Ranem. She grew up on a farm near Milaca, her family later moved to the city of Milaca and she graduated from Milaca High School. Junis worked as an accountant at various companies including the Milaca Creamery, Pillsbury Mill in Minneapolis and Carter Day in Fridley. Junis met Reuben Peterson from Dalbo, Minnesota at a dance in Princeton and they were married on March 26, 1955 at the parsonage in Milaca. Reuben and Junis lived on East 17th Street and then Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. From there they moved to Coon Rapids and then Spring Lake Park, where they have lived for 47 years. Their daughter, Nancy was born in 1961 and their son, Darren was born in 1973. Junis and Reuben enjoyed dancing, playing cards and taking vacations to Hackensack, Minnesota and Lake Kabatogama in Northern Minnesota. They also traveled out of state to places such as Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas, Nevada, Florida and Washington D.C. Junis was active in church including serving on the Altar Guild, helping with Bible School and Pioneer Girls and participating in the church circle. Around age 50, Junis was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. After 26 years, the Parkinson's had progressed to the point where medications were no longer effective and her body was worn out. Junis died peacefully at Darren's home in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin on September 6, 2011 with Reuben at her side. She is lovingly survived by her husband Reuben; children Nancy (Joel) Larson & Darren (Shelley) Peterson; grandchildren Jeremy (Elise) Larson, Andrea Larson, Ryan & Trevor Peterson; sisters Janis Ledeen & Carla Ranem. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant brothers Michael and Patrick.