Carol M. Peterson

Carol Marie Peterson, age 60, of Mankato, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 19, 2023, surrounded by family.

A Memorial Service Celebrating Carol’s Life will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be one hour before service on Monday. Interment will be at LaSalle Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Carol was born October 13, 1963, to James and Trudell (Oren) Peterson in Madelia, Minnesota.  She graduated from Madelia High School in 1982 and St. Olaf College in 1986.  She later earned a Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1996.

Carol worked at the University of Minnesota for 34 years as a project outreach coordinator in the Department of Agriculture.

Carol had a wide variety of interests. She loved to walk, hike, bike, do yoga, knit, and instruct Pilates. She hosted many sessions with a group of friends and made an entire night of it. Carol loved to cook, her specialties included her mother's award-winning chili and chocolate cake filled with cream cheese.

Carol was a devoted church-goer with a strong faith. She prioritized her involvement at every church she attended by serving communion, attending charity events, and providing leadership to youth groups. She was well-known at every church she attended. Church was an outlet for her to demonstrate her kindness and giving nature.

Carol loved to travel, visiting many places during her life.  At least once a year, Carol, her son James, and her partner of nearly two decades Tom would collectively choose a travel destination. Some notable places they visited were Washington DC, Arizona, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, and multiple national parks such as Yellowstone and Glacier. On these trips, Carol, James, and Tom loved to explore the outdoors, ride bikes, white water raft, visit museums, and attend sporting events. Carol was very meticulous while planning trips, making sure every day was filled with a unique adventure and learning experience.

Carol had a strong connection with her parents and siblings. She cherished the Holiday traditions every year at her parent's home in Madelia. One of her favorite activities around the holidays was wrapping Christmas presents, always taking her time choosing the best-looking paper.

For 13 years, Carol enjoyed the company of her dog Otto. She took Otto everywhere she could, walking him multiple times a day. She made Otto part of the family. There might not have been a more fortunate dog than Otto to have such a loving and dedicated owner.

Carol was the most supportive mother to her son James. She never missed a sporting event, concert, play, or graduation. Carol welcomed her house on Cardinal Drive to be the go-to house for James and his friends to hang out and watch Super Bowls. Carol and James had a great relationship filled with laughs, hugs, and hours on the phone talking about life.

Carol was a terrific loving mother, partner, and friend.  Her kind, gentle personality was felt by all who came in contact with her.  Carol had an infectious laugh and great sense of humor and loved to joke and laugh.

Carol is survived by her son, James Trefry of Milwaukee; partner, Tom Sullivan of St. Peter; two siblings, Tim (Kay) Peterson and Linda (Tom) Kunz; three aunts, Audrey Peterson, Janet Peterson, and Avis Petterson; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, James and Trudell (Oren) Peterson, and great-niece, Jual Rose De Vos.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.