Eula Cecelia Peterson

Eula Cecelia Peterson (Conrath)

December 1, 1944 – September 5, 2025

Eula Cecelia Peterson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at her home at Madonna Towers on September 5, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on December 1, 1944, in Lubbock, Texas, to Evans and Waver Lee Conrath, Eula moved around a lot as a child and settled in Owatonna, Minnesota where she graduated high school. On November 22, 1963, she married the love of her life, Cris Peterson, beginning a marriage filled with love, partnership, and joy that spanned over six decades.

Eula devoted herself fully to raising her three children and later found her second calling in early childhood education, where she remained until she was 75. She worked passionately as a teacher with Head Start Preschool, where she especially cherished her time with the Incredible Years Dinosaur School program. Her nurturing nature and infectious enthusiasm touched the lives of countless children and their families.

Eula had a flair for life and brought joy to every room she entered. She loved shopping, fashion, and music. She delighted in decorating her home for every season and was known for throwing unforgettable holiday gatherings, particularly at Christmas, where her love for giving and celebration shone brightest.

Eula also had a deep love of travel, especially when it involved spending time with her family. She cherished trips to Disney World where she reveled in the magic of making memories with her children and grandchildren. She also had a special place in her heart for New York City, where she enjoyed the energy of the city and found great joy in attending Broadway plays. Whether at home or away, Eula embraced every moment with enthusiasm and heart, but nothing gave her more fulfillment than time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eula is survived by her loving husband Cris Peterson; her daughters Janice Peterson and Julie Cumm (Gene Cumm); her son Jim Peterson; and her cherished grandchildren: Renaux Swancutt, Christopher Flores, Noah Swancutt, Rachel Decker, Sarah Cumm, Cecelia Peterson, and Isabelle Peterson; and her sister, Opel Giesler. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy of love, laughter, and generosity.

The family will be holding a private memorial in the coming week to celebrate Eula’s life and honor her memory.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the warmth of her heart, the strength of her spirit, and the joy she brought to so many.