Connie Marie Peterson, age 76, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, in Goodyear, Arizona, held in the loving arms of her husband of 57 years, Tom—just one day after celebrating her birthday.

Born on December 12, 1949, in New Ulm, MN, Connie was raised on a farm in Courtland Township, Nicollet County, by her parents, Walter and Florence Arbes. From an early age, she learned the values that defined her life—hard work, humility, kindness, and devotion to others. She attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and graduated from New Ulm High School in 1967 before pursuing her calling in nursing at Abbott Northwestern School of Nursing, later earning her BSN from Southwest State University.

Connie married the love of her life, Tom Peterson, in 1969. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and service, raising daughters, Karie and Kimberly. For 36 years, Connie lived her calling as a nurse at New Ulm Medical Center, caring for countless patients in roles ranging from bedside nurse to Director of Patient Care. Nursing was not just her career—it was an expression of who she was. Her quiet leadership and compassionate heart were recognized with the NUMC Legends Award, an honor she accepted with characteristic humility.

Family was Connie's greatest treasure. She found her deepest joy in time spent together—long summers at the cabin, holidays filled with food and laughter, and the simple gift of being present. In retirement, Connie and Tom split their time between the Brainerd Lakes Area and winters in Arizona, always happiest when surrounded by family. She rarely missed a grandchild's event and loved hearing every detail of their busy lives. Evenings often ended with a game of cribbage or marbles with Tom—small moments that meant everything.

Connie leaves behind her devoted husband, Tom; daughters, Karie (Brian) Bruder and Kimberly (Jon) Mueller; grandchildren, Tyler Bruder (friend Morgan Matanich), Morgan Bruder, Emily (Mueller) Knepprath (Brian), and Jacob (Tatyana) Mueller; great-grandchildren, Winry Knepprath and George Mueller; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who were blessed by her gentle spirit.

We will be holding a private, family funeral to honor and remember our beloved, Connie on Jan 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m at the Lutheran Church of the Cross (Nisswa MN). You are invited to attend via live-stream at one of these websites: (www.lccnisswa.org) or (www.nelson-doran.com). While the service will be private, we wish to extend an opportunity to attend via these live-streams, and we extend an invitation to the coming Celebrations Of Life with family and friends.

We have two Celebrations of Life planed: March 19, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at (Chianti Room / Tuscany Falls Ballroom) in the Pebble Creek Community, Goodyear, AZ...and a second Celebration of Life on May 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Breezy Point Resort, Breezy Point, MN (White Birch Room). At these events we hope to share the stories, memories, pictures and the joy Connie brought into so many lives. We hope you are able to join us at one or both of these celebrations.

Any cards, flowers, and memorials can be sent to the Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, 2202 8th Ave NE, Brainerd MN 56401 218-829-4755