Jean Marie Peterson

Obituary Jean Marie Peterson March 21, 1936- January 16, 2020 Jean Marie Peterson, 83, was born March 21, 1936 in LaMoure, North Dakota to Arthur E. and Minnie Marie (Scouten) Farnam. She was the oldest of 6 children. The family moved frequently including a move to California when she was 5 and later back to South Dakota. She graduated from High School in Pierpont, South Dakota, Class of 1954. She graduated at the top of her class and believed if she didn't get the information the first time it wasn't worth knowing. She married her first love, David Luther Peterson on May 3rd, 1955. She loved children and they shared 7, Barbara, Bob, Linda, Julie, David, Debbie, and Gary. She devoted her life to homemaking and caring for others. David's sister-in-law died during childbirth bringing 5 more children into the family home totaling 12 children all under the age of 14 until his brother remarried. After her children were raised and the grandchildren began to arrive, she jumped in to provide care for them. Her grandchildren numbered 16 with 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren with a 3rd one on the way. Jean enjoyed baking and gardening, providing homemade salsa, apple butter, cookies, and candy as favorite Christmas gifts to all. She loved to spend time with her family, traveling, snowmobiling, and music. Family trips included travels to Rhode Island, Oregon, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, Las Vegas to see George Strait, and Deadwood to name a few. She enjoyed NASCAR racing and stock car racing, unless her sons were in the race. The Denver Broncos were her favorite football team. She enjoyed summer band concerts in the park and also listening to her great-granddaughter perform on her clarinet. Family reunions were very important to Jean as her life revolved around her family which included her church family and bible studies. She was very proud of her grandsons serving in the US Army in honor of their grandfather and her granddaughter in the Navy. Jean lost her 1st love when David joined the Lord August 21, 1995 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was at his bedside providing care for him until the end. She met her 2nd love Harry Burlum and their lives were joined together July 28, 2001. They shared many happy times together until his passing on June 19, 2008, leaving her alone again. Jean began her own courageous battle on December 28, 2018 after becoming ill with a cold, which began a very long year of multiple hospitalizations. She spent her last summer in Casper regaining her health and strength which allowed her special moments with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in the area. Her ultimate goal was to be able to return to her home in Worland. After lots of hard work, she met her goal and returned to her home in September 2019. She was so happy to be home with her kittens. and to be able to "jam" to her Neil Diamond's "Beautiful Noise" song with "Freddie," her cane, and to be able to decorate her home for the remaining holidays. On January 16, 2020, Jean's battle ended at Washakie Memorial Hospital where she joined her Heavenly Father. She was surrounded by her family. She was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and two sisters, Shirley Shanahan and Lois Serfling. Survivors include her sons, Robert Peterson of Basin, WY, David (Rhonda) Peterson of Casper, WY, Gary (Carla) Peterson of Huntley, MT; daughters, Barbara (Charles) Goff of Casper, WY, Linda (David) Busch of Lander, WY, Julie (William) Ward, of Casper, WY, and Debra Garrett of Gillette, WY; brother, Don Farnam of Huron, SD; sisters, Betty Chapin of Madison, SD and Bonnie Jensen of Cowley, WY; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Timothy Trippel officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the New Hope Humane Society and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401.