Jude Peterson

1943 - 2026

Jude Peterson (Darner), 82, peacefully passed away with family at her side on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, SD.

Judy Bernice Peterson was born November 4th, 1943, to Juden and Beatrice Peterson of Baltic, SD.  Judy, “Jude”, lived on the family farm outside of Baltic and attended school in Dell Rapids, SD until she married. Jude was united in marriage with Allen J. Darner May 25th, 1960, and immediately started a family. As a Naval military wife, Jude lived in multiple locations including Japan, California, and Hawaii, as she raised their four children while Allen was deployed.

Jude and Allen divorced in 1975, and Jude returned to the Renner/Baltic area with her children. Jude had various jobs, including winch operator for a tower crew, in order to support her family while she studied to obtain her Realtor Broker license. Jude sold real estate for Century 21 in the Sioux Falls and surrounding area for many years, and she was especially proud that she received the Million Dollar Club Award several times.

Jude’s life was filled with many interests and hobbies. While living in Japan, Jude learned cake decorating and Japanese needle/thread art, and she became an avid bowler. Jude enjoyed crocheting hangers for friends and family and even gifted several to President Obama’s family. Jude loved her cats, making beef jerky and baking treats for friends, and watching a good Western movie. Jude had a lifelong love for horses, and especially enjoyed trail riding with friends, and riding with the “Hags On Nags” riding club. Jude started the Overland Express Carriage Company, and gave rides in her horse-drawn buggy, Surrey & sleigh. She particularly enjoyed dressing as Mrs. Clause at Christmas to help deliver presents.

Blessed to have shared her life are her children Jeff (Marcia) Darner, Harrisburg, SD, Deb  Ahlers (Dave Hynes), Hot Springs, SD, Kim (Gordon) Grewing, Kansas City, MO, Rhonda (Patrick) Hanlon, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Jamie (Kyle) Bergeson, Morgan Darner, Chandler Grewing, Paige Grewing, Jack Hanlon; great-grandchildren Abby and Evan Bergeson; & multiple extended family members & friends .  A special thank you to the Luther Manor staff who provided Jude with joy, laughter & dignity.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Jude’s memorial fund.