Peterson-Cassida Rosemary

Rosemary Patricia Santelman was born October 22, 1922 in Red Wing, MN to Benjamin and Freida (Steffenhagen) Santelman. She grew up on a farm near Old Frontenec, Minnesota and graduated from Red Wing High School. Rosemary was united in marriage to Richard L. Peterson in March of 1942 in Red Wing. Rick enlisted into the military and Rosemary followed for a short time and returned to Red Wing waiting for Rick to come home. Upon his return Rosemary and Rick started their family and were blessed with five (5) children. Rick started his seminary training at St. Olaf and Rosemary was a homemaker. During Richard?s ministry, the family moved around the country. Rosemary continued being a homemaker and helping at church with ladies aid, bible studies, doing secretarial duties and printing bulletins. In 1958, the family moved to Tracy and in 1971, they moved to Marshall. There they started a radio ministry called Prayer Power Inc., which lasted 10 years up to Richard?s death in 1981. In 1988, Rosemary married Harold Cassida at the Assembly of God in Willmar where they made their home in Alexandria, Minnesota. After a car accident in 1996, Rosemary was left with a traumatic brain injury and Harold and Rosemary became estranged. Rosemary enjoyed flower gardening, walking, biking, and driving. Most of all, Rosemary loved being with friends and family, especially the grandchildren. She loved to visit and socialize, but most important to Rosemary was her faith. Rosemary died on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 88. She is survived by her children, Kenneth Peterson of Brooklyn Center, Richard (Ruth) Peterson of St. Louis Park, Maren Reitsman of Minnetonka, David (Bev) Peterson of Alexandria, and John (Rebekah) of Plymouth; grandchildren, Ryan Peterson, Shawn (Lisa), Nathan, and Jennifer Reitsma; Benjamin, Adam (Annie) and Ross Peterson; and Justin and Mackenzie Peterson; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Thomas and Grant Reitsma; brother, Kenneth (Marcie) Santelman of Glencoe; sister, Kay (Elmer) Iverson of Zephyrhills, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. Rosemary is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin, and Freida; husband, the Rev. Richard Peterson; and brothers Chester, Harold, and Winifred. A memorial service was held on Friday, May 6, 2011 at Knute Nelson Chapel in Alexandria with Reverend Jim Oakland officiating. Music was provided by son, John Peterson. Internment was held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Honorary urn bearers were Rosemary?s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.