Catherine L. Peterson

Catherine L. Peterson, 62, Moorhead, MN passed away peacefully after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Lilac Homes, Moorhead, MN.

Catherine “Katie” Lynn Erickson was born in Moorhead on November 2, 1954 to Clayton and JoAnne Richard Erickson. She lived in Moorhead until 5th grade when the family moved to a farm in Hawley, MN. Katie graduated from Hawley High School in 1972 and went on to attend St. Cloud School of Nursing, graduating in 1975. She began working at St. Luke’s Hospital, now Sanford Health, as an RN and spent most of her career in the Operating Room. In 2012 she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease forcing her to retire from a job she dearly loved.

In 1981, Katie married Greg Peterson and together they raised three children. There were many other children around the neighborhood and she was known as the neighborhood nurse. On many occasions, she could be found bandaging, stitching up, or popping things back into place. She always put other’s needs before her own. She also made sure her kids got to practice on time and never missed a game. Katie was a faithful servant of God and was a part of several organizations and groups within St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, including Charitable Concerns and the Arise group. Even though life was busy she’d make sure the family made it to mass each week.

Katie loved spending time at the family cabin on Big Floyd Lake near Detroit Lakes, MN. She enjoyed fishing, sailing and taking pictures of the sunset. Most of all she enjoyed being with her family who will miss her dearly.

Katie is survived by her husband; daughters, Emily Nick Fernholz, Laura Alex Olson; son, Nick Da Cylla Peterson; mother, JoAnne; sisters, Jean Rick Schultz, Roxane John Hall; brothers, Warren Pam Erickson, Paul Margi Erickson, Greg Erickson, Jay Kriste Erickson; grandsons, Zachary and Jacob Fernholz; 15 nieces and nephews as well as many aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her father and numerous aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 2:00 PM with a visitation starting at noon in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.