Obituary of JoAnn M. Petersen

JoAnn Petersen peacefully passed away on September 19, 2021. She was 89 years old. JoAnn was born on May 30, 1932 in Kim, Colorado to Bert and Minnie Moody and in 1934 she and her family moved to Birney, MT. She was the youngest of four children though her brother Jack died at a young age in a rodeo accident. JoAnn was close to her brother Frank and she cherished her relationship with her sister Ruby. During high school she and her siblings traveled from Birney, MT to Sheridan, WY to to attend high school. Prior to her Junior year of high school she moved to Flagler, CO where her mother was working in a restaurant for Millard and Sylvia Petersen and it was there that Richard, Millard and Sylvia’s middle son set his eyes on JoAnn. In 1950, Richard and JoAnn began what would be 60 years of marriage to one another. They raised their family and spent the majority of their life together in Flagler. They were among of the founding members of Trinity New Life Church where JoAnn developed her love for Jesus and her lifelong commitment to the Lord. Once her children were grown she worked outside of the home as a book keeper. JoAnn loved to watch Wheel of Fortune, Jeopard and especially loved to watch Professional Bull Riding, the Colorado Rockies or the Denver Broncos. Her love for sports also included watching her grandchildren’s sporting events, regardless of how far a drive it was. She opened her home to her grandkids anytime the need arose and her love for them was always abundant. In 2015 JoAnn moved to St Francis, KS to be near Kris. Although she was anxious about leaving the home town she had lived in for so many years, she was blessed to make some very special friends in Cheyenne County Village. JoAnn was preceded in death by her brother Jack Moody, brother Frank Moody and husband Richard Petersen as well as beloved pups Tawny and Kaylee. She is survived by her son Mike (Elaine) Petersen of Palco, KS daughter Kris (Ken) Rice of St Francis, KS and daughter Janice (Dan) Lackey of Ft. Gibson, OK; grandchildren David, Lance, Casey (Marnie) and Crystal (Corey), Pat (Angie), Meggan (Josiah), Jonathan, Dawn, Ali, Jade (Carl), Lucas (Malissa); Great-grandchildren Cody, Brittin, Alex, Mia, Emma, Noah, Merritt and Adaleigh. Private family services are being held for Mrs. Petersen at a later date.