Vera B. Petersen, 95, of Oakland, Minnesota, died peacefully Friday, June 19, 2015, at her home in Moscow Township.

Vera was born April 14, 1920, in Yakima, Washington, to Franklin and Mett (Barney) Barnes. She grew up in Belgrade, Montana, and graduated from Belgrade High School. On Jan. 26, 1949, she was united in marriage to Edwin Bode Petersen in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Vera and Edwin farmed and raised their family on their Moscow Township farm in Freeborn County. Throughout her married life she was active in church and community affairs. Vera was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Austin. She volunteered her time at church sewing, and along with Edwin served an 18-month mission to Ireland. Vera and Edwin were avid travelers, covering most of the United States and visiting 24 countries on five continents including two tours in Mexico and several trips to Canada. She also enjoyed square dancing, riding horses, gardening and canning. Vera was a past president of 4-H Club, PTA, and had served as Women’s president of Farm Bureau.

She is survived by her husband Edwin; her children: Karen Bowman of Sandy, Utah, Jared (Jill) Petersen of Rochester, Minnesota, Ann (Kevin) Smith of Caliente, Nevada, Randy (Merrilee) Petersen of Bountiful, Utah, Dana (Barbara Jean) Petersen of Salem, Oregon, Zina (David) Cox of Lehi, Utah, Adell (John) Basinger of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Mark (Jeff Ellison) Petersen of Dallas, Texas, Brent (Stacey) Petersen of Sartell, Minnesota, Linnea (Dave) Pearson of Clearfield, Utah, and Merilee (Keith) Blake of Oakland, Minnesota; 64 grandchildren and 120 great-grandchildren; sister Betty (Derald) Jones of Addy, Washington.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Lowell; grandson Matthew; four brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Austin with Bishop Richard Bremner officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church prior to services. Interment will be in Fairview Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the family. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.