Geraldine Mae Peterson

Geraldine (Jeri) Peterson of Alpharetta, Georgia passed away on June 24, 2023. She was born on September 11, 1942 to Lester and Ella (Martens) Johnson in New Ulm, Minnesota and spent her early years in New Ulm and Franklin, Minnesota until her family settled in Wabasso, Minnesota. After her high school graduation, she moved to Minneapolis and started a job as a Secretary with Honeywell. It was here that she met her husband, Mel, and they married on June 13, 1964. They settled in Fridley, Minnesota and had two children, Kristin and Rick, before moving to Columbus, Ohio when Mel was relocated with Sheraton Hotels. They lived in Ohio for over 10 years and met good friends, enjoyed card clubs, boated on Buckeye Lake, and cheered on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

In 1983 the family moved to Springfield, Virginia after Mel took a job with Promus Hotels. Jeri worked as an Office Manager for Joe Ragan’s Coffee Company and retired in 1988 when they moved to Memphis, Tennessee for another job transfer. They eventually retired to Dandridge, Tennessee and built their dream home on Douglas Lake. They lived on the lake for 18 years before moving to Alpharetta, Georgia to be closer to family.

Jeri loved to sew and do home projects. She made curtains, clothes, and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren, Katie and Ben. She was a wiz with flower arrangements and had a creative side that was evident in her home. Both Mel and Jeri loved to entertain, and she made sure you never left hungry. She was a great cook and made lots of food and always wanted you to take seconds. When you came to her home, you knew to make sure you were hungry! She loved her porch with lake views and always enjoyed visits from her family and friends.

It was very rare that you would visit her on a Saturday or Sunday, and she wasn’t watching football or some sport. She loved her Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Volunteers. Before there was the NFL package, she would have 2 tv’s going in the family room to watch multiple games. We loved that she supported all the family’s teams. She even rooted against the Buckeyes when they played the Hokies and the Bulldogs!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Ella; her brother, Verdan; her sister-in-law, Kathy; and her husband, Mel. She is survived by her daughter, Kristin Weger and her husband David of Alpharetta, GA; son, Rick Peterson of Springfield, VA; her grandchildren, Katherine and Benjamin; and six nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 11th at 4pm at The Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA. A reception will be held after the service at the home of Kristin and David Weger, 11080 Pinewalk Forest Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Christ the King Lutheran Church Music Department, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roswellfuneralhome.com for the Peterson family.