Yvonne Margaret Peterson of Cromwell died Sunday, February 15, 2026. She was born May 14, 1935, in Carlton County to Albert and Margaret Smith. Yvonne grew up on the family farm east of Cromwell. She graduated from Cromwell High School class of 1953. On June 11, 1953, she married Robert Peterson in Mason City, Iowa. They made their home in Proctor and moved to Cromwell in 1964. Yvonne waitressed at the Tolley Inn during her senior year, sewed for Sterns Manufacturing, baked Cromwell Cinnamon Toast for the bakery and worked for Dahlman Wood Products. She volunteered at Bethany Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday school and vacation bible school teacher. Many church auctions featured the sturdy rugs woven by Bob and Yvonne on their loom. Yvonne served as vice president and president of Lutheran Brotherhood, as well as treasurer for the Cromwell Historical Society. In 2005, Bob and Yvonne were recognized as the outstanding senior citizens of Carlton County. Yvonne baked her jelly roll pan of apple pie bars, Grandma Margaret Smith’s sugar cookies, and caramel rolls for her family, friends, church events and gatherings at the Villa.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her sister Myrna, and brothers Leo and Gerald. She is survived by her daughter Karla (Chuck Lubowitz) Peterson of Deerwood, MN, sons Brad (Peter Barbour) of Huntington Beach, California, Keith of Wright, and Butch (Pam) of Cromwell. Yvonne also leaves behind her grandchildren David, Mike, Megan, Shawn, Christopher, Brandi, Joshua, and Cody and great-grandchildren Kenzie, Kellen, Maddie, Jack, Harlee, Camden, Hayden, Leila, and Kayden. Yvonne is further survived by her sister Peggy (Bob) DeCaigny, brother Albert (Mary) Smith, and sisters-in-law Ruth (Gary) Warren, Karen (David) Pitkanen and Berty as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Yvonne’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at the Villa, St Croix Hospice and Dr. Bode.