Barbara Jean Peterson

Barbara Jean Peterson, 69, of River Falls, WI, passed into Glory on April 18, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Barb lived a beautiful life of faith, service, and compassion, shining the light of Jesus everywhere she went.

Born in Fairmont, MN on February 5, 1956, Barb experienced a transformative moment in her youth, finding salvation as a teenager. From that day forward, she dedicated her life to God and spreading His love, serving as a beacon of kindness, hope and unwavering faith.

While attending North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN Barb met her husband, Paul Peterson, and the two were married in 1975. Together, they raised three children and built a life centered on faith, family, and service, touching countless lives along the way.

Barb actively spread God’s love through singing in the church choir and theater ministry. She opened a home daycare for 21 years, providing not only care but a nurturing, loving environment for children to grow and flourish. Her commitment to both faith was the cornerstone of her life. She also became an ordained pastor alongside her husband, serving her community, with humility, grace, and steadfast devotion.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Peterson; daughter, Lindsey Peterson; grandchildren Amira, Aminah, Aliyah, and Amir; son Todd Peterson and his wife Emily (Celski) Peterson; and son Derek Peterson. Barb was preceded in death by parents Donald G. Frisbie and Melba M. (Wagner) Frisbie, brothers Robert Frisbie and Ronald Frisbie, and sister Beverly (Frisbie) Maday.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held at a location and date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Yesuah’s Love Heals in Minneapolis, MN.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.