Elaine Jean Peterson

Elaine Jean (Kiley) Peterson, age 98, of Geneva, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. She was born at home on July 11, 1927, to Eugene and Hilda (Johnson) Kiley.

Elaine grew up in southern Minnesota and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1945. From a young age she embodied a strong work ethic, beginning as a restaurant server at just 14 years old. Over the years she built a career in hospitality, working as both a restaurant server and cook in several local establishments. Elaine especially cherished the time she spent cooking alongside her daughter Pam in her restaurant, and later serving the community at Trumble's in Albert Lea.

Elaine was known for her extraordinary talent in the kitchen. She loved baking cinnamon rolls, raisin buns, and her famous cream pies. One of her pies even fetched $150 at the Geneva Cancer Auction, a testament not only to her skill but to the joy her cooking brought to others.

Elaine was an avid sports fan. She spent many afternoons with her family cheering for her teams: the Twins and the Vikings, as well as enjoying watching wrestling, fast-pitch softball and more.

Family was at the center of Elaine's life. She faithfully attended her children's sporting events and celebrated their achievements with pride. She and her beloved husband Chris shared a deep love for playing cards and dancing, creating many joyful memories together. Elaine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, remembered for her selflessness, warmth, and unwavering presence in the lives of those she loved.

Faith also guided Elaine's life. She was actively involved in her Catholic parish and played a key role in the remodeling of the Newry, Minnesota, church, a project close to her heart. Her service reflected her devotion to her faith community and her desire to contribute to something lasting for future generations.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Chris Peterson; her children, Pam Sorlie, Vicky Peterson, and Chad Peterson; her daughter-in-law, Kellie Peterson; her parents, Eugene and Hilda (Johnson) Kiley; and her siblings, Robert (Margaret) Kiley, Kenneth (Shirley) Kiley, Mary Jane (Tom) Callahan, Paul (Mary Lou) Kiley, Kathryn (Ted) Parks, and Lois (Pat) Rinn.

She is survived by her sons, Terry (Ann) Peterson and Rodney Peterson; her sister, Sally (the late Bernie) Trausch; her grandchildren, Amy (Jeff) Cheney, Jill (Trevor) Otterbein, Cory (Heather) Peterson, and Keighley Carlson; along with many dear great-great-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 18th at Bonnerup Funeral Home, 2210 East Main Street Albert Lea, MN, 56007. Visitation will be held at 12 PM followed by a service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Elaine's honor to the Geneva Cancer Perschbacher Community Fund, 78368 325th Street, Ellendale, MN, 56026.

Elaine's life was one of devotion, resilience, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and cherished traditions that will live on through the many lives she touched.