In loving memory of

Annamarie Jane Peterson
August 9, 1936 - November 26, 2020

Annamarie Jane Peterson passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Cottagewood in Rochester, MN with Tina and Chicki by her side. Born in Eveleth, MN on August 9, 1936 to Martin and Agnes (Nyfors) Brown, Annamarie graduated from Aurora High School in 1954. She married Carl Dewane Peterson in Kassel, Germany in 1955 and in their union had three children: Tina, Karin "Chicki" and Carl. They later divorced. While raising her children, Annamarie completed her Health Information Management Degree at St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. She was the Supervisor of the Health Information Department at Miller Dwan Hospital, retiring in 2001.

Annamarie was a strong independent woman with many talents. She bought and renovated The Depot Campground in Knife River. After selling the campground she went on to build her dream home in Larsmont, MN and start a new chapter of her life. Annamarie was a member of the North Shore Rotary Club, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. She was a member of the United Church of Two Harbors, served on the council, and looked forward to the Annual Holiday Luncheon and Cookie Sale. She loved to cook, knit and sew.

In November 2012 Annamarie suffered a grand mal seizure while visiting her sister in NYC. She was eventually diagnosed with Primary Central Nervous System Angiitis at the Mayo Clinic, by Dr. Claudia Lucchinetti. This rare form of vasculitis eventually led to vascular dementia. Annamarie moved to Cottagewood Memory Care in Rochester, MN in 2016. She was an active and loved member of their community and we are so grateful for the wonderful staff in Cottage 3.

She will always be remembered for her smile that would light up the room and her sparkling blue eyes. She had a can-do attitude that would never quit, often saying "The impossible only takes a little longer," with her twinkling blue eyes.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Tina Trihey (Dwight Porter) of Oronoco and Karin (Steve) Harris of Knife River, MN; three grandchildren, Jason Trihey (Casey Wilson) of Rochester, Carly (Erik) Loewen of Minneapolis, and Brandon Cerra, Florida; two siblings, Marcia Brown of New York City, NY and Mark (Sue) Brown of Shakopee, MN; niece Sara Brown (Rob) Zembrodt and nephew Mark Brown and 2 great nephews and 2 great nieces.

Nancy Johnson, Annamarie's best friend since high school and Tina's Godmother, died a few hours after Annamarie's passing from injuries she received in a tragic multi-car accident on 11/23/20. We know Nancy and Annamarie are together again and that brings us great comfort.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Carl Frederick Peterson.

A Celebration of Annamarie's life will be held in the spring in Knife River, MN.

Memorials to The United Church of Two Harbors http://ucth.org/ . The Alzheimer's Assoc. https://www.alz.org or a charity of your choice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Peterson family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Brandon Cerra wrote on Dec 8, 2022:

"With love and respect for all the memories, life lessons, compassion she blessed upon us all. Truly a honor to be her grandson. Love you Nana. Now if I can just remember her recipe for jello salad. "

Cathy Browning wrote on Dec 23, 2020:

"I was hired by Annamarie in 1995 at Miller-Dwan. My interview was with her and 4 other department members. It was a unique experience that I loved as it gave me a chance to see potential co-workers and get a sense of the culture there. She was a wonderful person. My condolences to you. Cathy Browning "

Mitch Costley wrote on Dec 2, 2020:

"I spent many years working with Annamarie, starting in about 1986 and probably ending in the early 2000's. We were originally both on the Lake County Development Commission and then on the Lake County HRA. She was instrumental during those years in the development and completion of the Harbor Point apartment complex in Silver Bay, Superior Shores resort complex in Two Harbors and the Cove Point resort complex in Beaver Bay and many more important developments that make Lake County, MN a better place today! We spent, at least one evening every month, during all of those years, meeting as the HRA putting together these and many other projects. Your Mom was smart, practical and a delight to work with for all of those years. So look proudly upon these accomplishments as well as all of her other gifts. Mitch Costley, attorney, Two Harbors."

Vicki Zeman wrote on Dec 2, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear of Annamarie's passing. She was a strong and unique individual who I grew to know and appreciate while working with her at Miller-Dwan. She provided support to so many in a caring manner. She was able to round up the Medical Staff in a most distinctive way! I will remember her well as a friend and mentor who loved life and tackle problems in most individual manner. May the happy memories of your lives with Annamarie sustain you through this sad time. HUGS! Vicki Zeman"

Betsy Smith wrote on Dec 2, 2020:

"I worked with Annamarie for many, many years at Miller Dwan. She was the most compassionate, thoughtful, personal and caring lady!! I remember you girls when you were teenagers coming into the office. My deepest sympathies to you! Betsy Smith"

MJ wrote on Dec 2, 2020:

"Tina and Chicki, your mom was so full of life and fun to be around. Had such fun times when I met her or she came on an outing with us. Take care my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. MJ."

Shelby Maier wrote on Dec 1, 2020:

"Tina and Chicki ~ We are so very sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. We last saw her when the Brown's met for pizza at Sammy's in Hibbing in 2014. Your Mom always had a smile on her face! "

Gemma wrote on Dec 1, 2020:

"I worked with Annamarie for many years at Miller. I will always remember her thoughtfulness to my husband and I while raising our young children. I remember her fond stories of Tina and Chickie also. God Bless you during this time. Gemma Moon"

Diane Larson wrote on Dec 1, 2020:

"My deepest sympathy to Annamarie's family. Annamarie was an excellent friend and colleague - kind, supportive, funny and generous. Annamarie, Carol Spielman and I had many good times attending American Health Information Management Association meetings together. She was just a lovely lady!! Diane Larson"

Marcia Brown wrote on Dec 1, 2020:

"When Annamarie was retiring from Miller-DwAn as the head of medical records in 2001, her boss asked her what kind of celebration she?d like. She replied that a grand piano and a pianist would be lovely. He had both delivered to the hospital lobby, where everyone could enjoy the festivities. It was a great tribute to her many years at Miller-Dwan. I?m so blessed to have had such an amazing sister! With love from Marcia "