Arnette Peterson, 73, passed away on September 5th, 2026, in Virginia after a lengthy illness. Arnette was born March 19th, 1953, in Virginia, MN to her parents Margaret and Arne Lassila. She grew up the second of five siblings and graduated from Virginia High School in 1971. After high school, Arnette spent time at Mesabi Range College, then continued her education at UMD to obtain a criminal justice degree. Arnette worked as a cashier during her college years and while raising her children. Additionally, she spent time working at the Mesabi Academy in Buhl . She also owned and operated the Virginia Grind, a small coffee shop located in the Thunderbird Mall.

Arnette enjoyed traveling, being outside, visiting with family, and attending the various activities of the children in her family. She was especially proud and devoted to her children and grandchildren.

Arnette and Tim met and fell in love when Tim moved to Virginia to attend Mesabi Community College. After several years of dating, they decided to make it official and were united in marriage on June 25th, 1977. A loving marriage that lasted over 49 years. They raised two children together: Justin and Shauna. Her family was always her greatest joy.

Arnette was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and as her faith grew it became very important to her.

Arnette is survived by her husband Tim Peterson; children: Justin (Pauline) Peterson and Shauna (Peterson) Avikainen. She is also survived by siblings: Jim (Ellen) Lassila, Debbie Lawrence, Nancy (Jack) Berland, and Tom Lassila; grandchildren: Brittany (Nick) Poffenberger, Emma (Joseph) Hafdahl, and Ethan Avikainen; great grandchild Silas Poffenberger. She was preceded in death by parents Margret and Arne Lassila and brother-in-law Jerry Lawrence.

Arnette is remembered for her kindness, faith, support, and integrity.

A Funeral Service for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, September 12th at 1:00 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.