Joan attended high school in Kennebec, South Dakota and later graduated from Lyman County High School where she originally met Kevin. She received her bachelor´s degree from South Dakota State University-Brookings, and her master´s degree in Speech Therapy from the University of South Dakota.
She reconnected and fell in love with the love of her life, Kevin Petersen in 1977 after he left the army. They were married August 19th, 1978 in Pierre, South Dakota.
The next day they moved to Colstrip, Montana, where she started working as a speech pathologist for Colstrip Public Schools. She continued working there for the next 33 years.
Her passion was her family and friends. She loved supporting Brianne in all of her endeavors, and considered all of Brianne´s friends her honorary daughters. She loved cooking for her family and finding new creative decorating ideas. Her special memories were with her daughter and Kevin, and going on road trips with family and friends. Joan attended all school activities and was well known for running the hospitality suite for tournaments when they were in town. She enjoyed volunteering and serving the community.
She is survived by her husband (Kevin), daughter Brianne (Samuel) Riggins of Seattle, Washington and grandson Kevin. She is also survived by her two brothers, Patrick (Kathy) Donahue of Beulah, Wyoming and Daniel Donahue of Ft .Pierre, South Dakota also Kevin´s parents, Pete and Peggy Petersen, and his brothers, Dan (Paulette), Owen (Mary), Paul (Ellen) Petersen. As well as several much loved nieces and nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends whose lives she impacted.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents "Big Jack" and "Bae" and her infant twin brother Mark.
The Vigil Service will be at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, August 24th at the Colstrip High School Auditorium. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 25th at 2:00 pm also in the Colstrip High School Auditorium. Interment will be in Vivian, South Dakota on Saturday, August 27th.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
18:30
Wednesday August 24, 2011
Colstrip High School Auditorium
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
14:00
Thursday August 25, 2011
Colstrip High School Auditorium
Colstrip, MT 59323
Interment
Saturday August 27, 2011
Vivian Cemetery in Vivian, South Dakota
Vivian, SD 57576
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
18:30
Wednesday August 24, 2011
Colstrip High School Auditorium
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
14:00
Thursday August 25, 2011
Colstrip High School Auditorium
Colstrip, MT 59323
Interment
Saturday August 27, 2011
Vivian Cemetery in Vivian, South Dakota
Vivian, SD 57576
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Donna McCulloch says
Joan was a special and close friend. She was always there to talk to and share a story or a laugh. I shall miss my friend.
Mary Wood Hays says
Oh, Joanie,
the best, most funny, and nicest person….my sympathy to your family. Such a tough time.
Penny Morse says
Joan was a very special person. Both of my kids had her for speech therapy and she was the best. She was always there for anyone who needed or wanted her. What a gem.
Judy Sessions says
Joan was a friend who was very dear to my heart. She helped me through a serious crises in my life, I couldn’t have gotten through it without her. She was kind and caring and had a good word for everybody.
Susan Acton says
Joan was very kind and thoughtful, I don’t remember hearing her ever saying anything bad about another person. She will be missed. Sincere sympathy to Kevin, Bri and her family.
Daniel & Lillian Big Man says
Kevin, we were so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife Joan. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeannie and Rich Bonnes says
Our Love and Prayers go to you Kevin, Brie, and Family. Joan was a very special lady and friend who will be greatly missed.
Mike Miller says
Rest in peace old friend.
Marilyn Watson says
Kevin and Brianne, My heart aches for you. Joan was a warm, special lady. There is a new star in heaven.
Pat Halverson says
Kevin, Brianne, Pat, and Dan,
There aren’t really words to express how sorry I was to hear of your loss. I hope it helps in some small way to know that your sorrow is shared by many and Joan’s loss is felt deeply. She had such a huge heart and loved so deeply that she will remain in hearts forever.
Pat and Cliff Halverson
Gayle (Miller) Merscheim says
I went to High School with Joan. She was a couple of years behind me. I remember her as a very considerate, caring person. She was kind to everyone. Even though I have not seen her in many years, I know she will be missed by so very many. RIP Joan
Sheryl Toscano says
Kevin, Brianne and family,
We were so shocked to hear of the passing of the most wonderful, caring, loved woman. She was such a great Speech Pathologist and helped many students along there path to speak better. We will not be able to attend the services, as we are out of town, wish we could be there, and will be in spirit. God Bless you and hoping he will help you through your grief. Thoughts and Prayers,
Tom and Sheryl A Toscano
Cheryl Anderson says
I have the best memories of Joan and will cherish those! Kevin & Brianne & to the whole Peterson/Donahue families our deepest sympathies go out to you, we will all miss Joan so much! Even though we were terrible about keeping in touch when I saw her it was just like it had only been a week or so since we had last talked! I always knew I could depend on her if I ever needed anything!
Nancy Franklin says
I was so shocked to hear of Joans sudden passing…My heart goes out to you Kevin, Brianne and all of her family and friends. She was quite the outgoing gal and she certainly touched alot of lives in her job as a speech therapist! She worked with Hunter for 11yrs. and so she was a huge part of his education. She had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories…she will be greatly missed! I am so very sorry for your loss.
May God get you through this very sad time in your lives.She certainly will be missed…
Joe,Nancy and Hunter Franklin
Linda Littlewolf says
I was aware of Joan long before I worked with her because she had such an excellent reputation among special educators in southeastern Montana. I relied on her expertise and experience many times and held her in highest respect for her professionalism. I will always remember her great smile, her thoughtfulness, sense of humor, and the great stories she always shared. Many prayers to the family. She will be greatly missed.
Kris Bartholomew says
Joan will be greatly missed in Colstrip. She was scuh a classy lady that always had a smile and a kind word.
Geneva Westergren says
Joan was a classmate of mine and I remember she always had a smile on her face.
Tim Robinson says
Just wanted to say how much I will miss Joan! Every tournament I have officiated in Colstrip has been a little bit better because I always saw her in the hospitality room. She was the first and last person to greet me as I entered the school. The Colstrip community lost a great lady!
Kate Halverson says
Joan was such a wonderful person and friend. So glad to have such great memories of her. Our hearts and prayers to the Petersen and Donahue families.We will miss her as will many.
Kate and Doug Halverson
Julie Sparks says
Deepest sympathy to Kevin, Brianne & family. We had lost touch over the years but I have very fond memories of good times with Joanie when we were in our teens when we would visit my grandparents in So Dak. Sounds like she was an inspiration to all who knew her. From Julie Sargent Sparks, Chandler AZ (Granddaughter of Nellie Donahue Sargent)
Joanne Schrupp says
Joan was wonderful, warm, funny, professional, capable, energetic, concerned, and so many, many more adjectives. Possibly her greatest attribute was good old South Dakota common sense. Joan never steered you wrong. She listened well and when she offered advice it was well thought-out. She has been my rock the last year always checking in, making sure I was ok. She was a great friend and I will miss her.
Jim Nygaard says
Joan was such a classy lady…everyday! She consistently set a high standard for each of us to strive toward. We’ll miss you Joan. Kevin and Bri, please call on me at anytime.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim
John Culberson says
Dear Kevin,Brianne,Pat and Dan,
It just broke my heart when I read the Journal this noon. Joan Donahue was one of my favorites those many years ago at LHS. I kept track of her a bit thru you, Pat, but I don’t think any of you knew just how much I thought of her. She was just one of those kids you always remember as a teacher. She had that “something”. I wish I could have been there to honor her. You are certainly in my thoughts.
Denise and Norm Holte says
Our thoughts and prayers go to Joan’s family during this time. May God’s love and peace envelope you through this loss. She was a heck of a gal!
Marc Miller says
I first met Joanie in 1970. She was a great friend and she was always great company. I do believe the last time we met was in 1972 or 1973. While I failed to keep in touch with Joanie over the years, I will always remember her kind and compassionate way. She will certainly be missed — and not just by me. The world goes on, but in a much poorer state after Joanie’s passing.
Doug Oxford says
Joan was a very classy lady. I enjoyed working with her. She will be greatly missed. Our little girl loved her because she got to snack in the hospitality room when I coached.
Jan says
Bri and Mr. Petersen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this shocking time. Mrs. Petersen was a wonderful lady, full of care and compassion. Your loss is a loss for the entire Colstrip community. May the Lord offer the solace needed.
Jennifer Magpie says
I was so sorry to hear about Joan’s passing. She was a wonderful person and a great help to my son Cody while he was at Colstrip School. Joan will be missed by all who knew her.
Barb Hollenback Spargo says
My very deepest sympathy to your families. Even though I had not seen Joan for many years, my love for my dear friend had never changed and my heart is also heavy for the loss.
Jan Maddux says
There are no words to express how important Joan was to me. Her love & friendship was unconditional and everpresent. Her shoulders and ears always had room for me, and I took full advantage of them. No matter what I felt bad about, worries, anger…Joan would always make everything ok.She will have a very large part in my heart forever. I know she’s smiling down on us…Love you and miss you Joan!!