Rachel "Westrum" Peterson

Rachel (Westrum) Peterson, 83, of Warren, Minnesota, passed away on March 6, 2026. Born on September 2, 1942, in Clearbrook, Minnesota, to Olai and Margaret (Halvorson) Westrum, she grew up with a deep appreciation for her Norwegian heritage that remained a joyful part of her identity throughout her life.

Rachel earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bemidji State University and spent many years teaching, sharing her love of learning with students in multiple elementary grades as well as in special education, physical education, art, and after-school programs. Early in her career she also worked in Minneapolis at Merrill Lynch and Pillsbury. Music brought her great joy; she taught piano lessons, accompanied a ladies trio, sang with the women’s group All Spice, and faithfully served as church organist for forty years.

She met her husband, John, at the wedding of mutual friends. After their first coffee date, as Rachel liked to say, “love has been brewing ever since.” They married on December 26, 1964, and shared sixty-one loving years together. John stood by her with quiet devotion, especially through her battles with cancer and diabetes. Together they welcomed a foreign exchange student into their home and traveled widely, including memorable trips to Colorado, Florida, Sweden, Norway, France, Switzerland, and England. Rachel especially cherished family time at Lake Ethel, downhill skiing at Copper Mountain, water skiing, golf, bowling, playing baseball with her boys, and helping on the farm.

Deeply devoted to her faith, Rachel was an active member of Warren Covenant Church and participated in mission trips to Mexico, Russia, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Taiwan, and Japan. She also led the Pioneer Girls, inspiring many young girls in her community. Known for her warmth, humility, loyalty, and kindness, she was a true friend to many.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Olai and Margaret Westrum; her parents-in-law, Helmer and Emmy Peterson; her sister-in-law, Jean Hill; and her brother-in-law, Roger Joing. She is survived by her husband, John; sons Craig (Michele) and Kurt (Emily); grandchildren Carter (Grace), Caden, Emma, Cameron, Addison, Britta, and Kade; her sister Helen (Stephen) Olson and brother Tim Westrum; sisters-in-law Karen Joing and Judy (Lonny) Helgemo; brother-in-law David Hill; and many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered as a devoted farm wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, caring sister, and faithful friend whose heritage, faith, music, and love touched everyone who knew her.