Peterson Brothers Funeral Home

11/12/2025

Did you know that cooking with the kid in your life can encourage their curiosity? Follow this link to learn how food science can inspire a child’s learning skills and development!

Chances are, you’ve got at least one favorite food-based memory from childhood: biting into a freshly baked cookie, slurping a treat from the ice cream truck or going to Grandma’s house for her famous roast chicken.Food can be a powerful trigger for memories and emotions in childhood, both grati...

11/12/2025

Irma Leticia Fuentez

Irma L. Fuentez, age 57, of Willmar, passed away Wednesday, November 5, at her residence under hospice care.

Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 14, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

Irma Leticia Fuentez was born on January 14, 1968, in Florida, Copan, Honduras, the daughter of Ines Fuentes and Judith Lopez. She attended college in Honduras and earned a BA degree in Education. She began teaching and working as a social worker in rural communities throughout Honduras. In 2004, Irma came to the United States, settling in Willmar and then began working at Jennie-O Foods.

Irma grew up in the Catholic faith. She enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball in summer leagues, playing music and working.

She is survived by her mother, Judith Lopez of Honduras; her three children, Francis Vian of Roseburg, OR., Ian Fuentes (and Nora Cruz) of Willmar and Lizz Suarez of Roseburg, OR.; and three grandchildren, Arya, Ian and Johan. Also surviving are three brothers and three sisters, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and two brothers.

View Irma Leticia Fuentez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/11/2025

Irma Leticia Fuentez

Irma L. Fuentez, age 57, of Willmar, passed away Wednesday, November 5, at her residence under hospice care.

A celebration of life will be from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, November 14, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

Irma Leticvia Fuentez was born on January 14, 1968, in Florida, Copan, Honduras, the daughter of Ines Fuentes and Judith Lopez. She attended college in Honduras and earned a BA degree in Education. She began teaching and working as a social worker in rural communities throughout Honduras. In 2024, Irma came to the United States, settling in Willmar and then began working t Jennie-O Foods.

Irma grew up in the Catholic faith. She enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball in summer leagues, playing music and working.

She is survived by her three children, Francis Vian of Roseburg, OR., Ian (and Nora Cruz) Fuentes (and Nora Cruz) of Willmar and Lizz Suarez of Roseburg, OR.; and three grandchildren, Arya, Ian and Johan. Also surviving are three brothers and three sisters, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

View Irma Leticia Fuentez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/11/2025

As we mark Veterans Day, we want to specially remember the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. We thank you for your courage and selfless sacrifice!

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

Chester Leo Woltjer

Chester Leo Woltjer, age 88, of Pennock, passed away Sunday, November 2, at his residence following an extended illness.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Chester was born on February 8, 1937, on the family farm near Pennock, the son of Niel and Elise (Ruchti) Woltjer. He grew up and received his education in the rural Pennock community. At an early age, Chester began farming with his father and brothers. He was married to Alvina Nelson and to this union, they were blessed with 5 children. They made their home on the family homestead and were later divorced.

On July 11, 1991, Chester was united in marriage to Geraldine "Gerry" Iverson. They continued living on the family homestead and were blessed with one son, Neil. Chester was engaged in farming his entire life and also drove semi-truck for over 20 years.

Chester enjoyed the farm life, hunting, fishing and very much loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Gerry; children, Anita Kriegh of Duluth, Chester Jr. (and Rhonda) Woltjer of Grand Junction, Colorado, Tim (and Sherry) Woltjer of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, Kristy Woltjer of Mahnomen and Neil Woltjer of Pennock; and seven grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela in 2020; his parents; and nine siblings, Mel, Fred, Herman, Charles, Louis, Elzo, Trudy, Lorraine and Betty.

View Chester Leo Woltjer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/10/2025

Darlene Minnie Marciniak

Darlene M. Marciniak, age 84, of Willmar, passed away Tuesday, November 4, at Vista Prairie at Copperleaf.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by her funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at the Church of St. Mary. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

View Darlene Minnie Marciniak's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/08/2025

Join us for a FREE Advance Planning Seminar on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home (700 Becker Ave SW, Willmar, MN). Come see the newly renovated Peterson Funeral Home and learn about advance funeral planning options and how these decisions can help your loved ones at a time of loss. You will also learn about our AquaGreen cremation system - a water-based alternative to flame cremation. RSVP today at 320.235.1651 to reserve your spot as there is limited seating!

11/07/2025

If you are a veteran, then you may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery - free of charge! Check out this list of national cemeteries across the United States and then chat with a funeral director about your options and how to plan ahead for your funeral wishes as a veteran.

Are you interested in burial or inurnment at a national cemetery? Check out this list of national cemeteries and find one to fit your needs.

11/05/2025

Landing in a different time zone can feel disorienting and exhausting if you’re unprepared. Read the article below to discover a few ways to beat jet lag as you travel.

11/05/2025

Stress affects each and every one of us in different ways, but did you know that laughter is the best medicine? Laughing relieves your stress response and relaxes your muscles. So, to reduce your stress today, pull out your favorite comedies or hang out with your funniest friends.

11/05/2025

"We're the new modern funeral home!"

During times of grief and loss, you – our community – deserve a place to go where you will feel comfortable and comforted. Now that our renovations are complete after seven long months, we look forward to meeting your needs in new and different ways, always striving to honor and celebrate the lives of those we love.

To learn more about the completed renovations, watch this brief video with our owner or stop by for a tour! We welcome you!