Ruth E Peterson

Ruth Peterson (Hagemeister), age 76, of Fort Myers, Florida and Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020.

Ruth was born on June 6, 1943 in Farmington, MN to Herman and Dorothy Hagemeister. Her parents pastored many churches in MN. She earned a BA from Mankato State Minnesota and taught elementary grades 3-5.

She married her best friend from the church youth group, Wesley Peterson, on June 26, 1965. They settled in Hastings, MN and Michigan before retiring in Fort Myers, FL.

For over 50 years Ruth was an avid tennis player and golfer including having 3 holes in one. She had a life-time involvement in music singing in church choirs. Her favorite music memory was singing “How Great Thou Art” in a Ukrainian church while a choir director sang along in Russian. In her later years she was a member of the Shell Point Retirement Community Singers.
Ruth loved fashion and modeling for Christopher and Banks. She maintained outfits for every occasion. The joy of clothes also included buying boys clothes for her sons to try on at home. Other interests included gardening, reading, crafting, holiday traditions, theater, Bible Study, and driving fast cars.

Ruth loved travel adventures including mission trips to Asia, Europe and Central America. Her most recent travels were to El Salvador and Western China for church planting projects with International Cooperating Ministries. Travels to Israel and Alaska with Chuck Swindoll were also a favorite. While her children were growing up she planned trips to major US cities and planted a seed for love of travel for her children that continues to this day.

Ruth had a strong love for all children. On missions trips they would surround her, drawn by that love. In Mark 9:37 Jesus says “whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me.” Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were blessed by her tender care.

Ruth was gifted with Godly wisdom and used by God to speak His message to family and friends which included mentoring young mothers. She always had a friendly smile for everyone even during her last days of living in the Shell Point Memory Care Center.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Wesley Peterson; sons Michael Peterson (Karen), Brent Peterson-Hilleque (Victoria), and Ryan Peterson (Julie); grandchildren Joshua Peterson (Amanda), Mesha Peterson, Naomi La Folette (Austin), Abhi Peterson-Hilleque, Mari Peterson-Hilleque, Sydney Peterson, Kailey Peterson, Bryce Peterson, Tyler Peterson; great-grandchildren Abigail Peterson and Luke Peterson; sister Ann Hinnenthal (Hagemeister); brothers Jim Hagemeister and Dave Hagemeister.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 10:30 am at Wooddale Church, 6630 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.  There are no plans for a visitation or reception.

Memorial donations may be made to Shell Point (for retiring ministers and missionaries fund) 15010 Shell Point Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908 or Hope Academy (for scholarships to needy children for Christian education) Development Office 2300 Chicago Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404.