Paulette June Peterson, age 74, of Rochester passed away peacefully from Parkinsons disease on March 15, 2026 surrounded by family.

Paulette was born on June 3, 1951 to Randolph and Evelyn Nelson in Dawson, MN. She graduated from Dawson High School in 1969 and then earned an associate's degree in business from Southwest State in Marshall, MN. She moved to Rochester where she met and married her husband, Mike Peterson. They married December 7, 1974 and shared 51 beautiful years together.

Paulette started her career at Associated Bank, became a stay at home mom of two daughters and retired in 2007 after a long career as a research and medical secretary at Mayo clinic.

Paulette and Mike loved RV camping and traveling across the country. Their favorite place was always the mountains. Paulette enjoyed county western dancing with Mike, reading and playing cards with friends and family. She and Mike made wonderful memories at their cabin on Lake Osakis. She spent her time fishing, hosting friends and family, socializing with neighbors, enjoying the view from the deck. She was a member of Marion Road Christian Church in Rochester.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Randolf & Evelyn Nelson; in-laws Ralph & Angie Peterson; aunt and uncle Leon & Audrey Zimmerman; brother-in-law Gary Slesinski, and nieces Kathy Slesinski and Piper Stockard. She is survived by her loving husband, Mike; daughter Stefanie (BJ) Vette of Red Wing; daughter Kristin (Chad) Bolinske of Minneapolis; brother Rodney (Sandy) Nelson of Northfield; grandchildren Carson, Alinea, Ellie & Miles along with many siblings-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

We are thankful for the excellent care she received from Cottagewood Senior Communities and Moments Hospice. The staff at Cottagewood Four is proof there are angels among us.

All monetary gifts will be donated to the Parkisnon's Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00am at Marion Road Christian Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm Thursday, March 26, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a private burial at a later date.