Theresa Wendt Peterson Mitchell

Theresa was born October 30, 1935 in Rock Falls, Wisconsin. She was the youngest of 6 children born to Gena and Palmer Peterson.

Theresa graduated from Durand High School in 1953 and then went on to study at the Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated with her RN degree in 1956.

Theresa married Richard W. Wendt in January of 1958 and they moved to Springfield, Illinois. Their son William was born in April of 1960.

They then moved to St. Cloud, MN, where they owned and operated, “The Granite City Ambulance Service.” Their daughter Barbara was born in November 1963. In addition to working for the ambulance service, Theresa also worked at the St. Cloud Hospital. Theresa and Richard divorced in 1965. Theresa began working for Everett J. Schmitz at the Memorial Surgical Group from 1961-1986. She also assisted Dr. Schmitz in the OR at The St. Cloud Hospital.

Theresa and her daughter moved to Seattle to be closer to her son, in 1986. There she started working for the VA Hospital in the ER. It was during this time she discovered All Saints Lutheran Church, of which she has been a member for many years. She married Paul Mitchell in August of 1991. She had to take a medical retirement in 1997 and during this time she and Paul travelled. Her last job was being a nanny to her grandchildren, Olivia and Jordan, which she delighted in.

Theresa was preceded in death by her mother, father, son, grandson (Ryan Wendt), brothers; Gordon, Leonard and Raymond Peterson, and sisters Evelyn Peterson Kaiser and Alvina Peterson Phephles and stepdaughter, Peggy Kerr.

Theresa is survived by her husband Paul, daughter Barbara (Philip) Dearing, and grandchildren; Crystal Ray, Justin Wendt, Olivia Dearing and Jordan Dearing. She is also survived by 7 step-children, 14 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren.

She was so loved by her family and she will be missed, but we take comfort in knowing that she is now with our Heavenly Father, safe and no longer in pain.

Memorial Service and luncheon will be held At All Saints Lutheran Church, Bellevue, WA. Saturday November 23rd at 11am. Family and friends are welcome.