Sally Susan (Helmer) Peterson, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sally was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was deeply rooted in faith and lovingly shown through involvement with family, church, and community. She was a member of Bella Vista Lutheran Church in Arkansas and a former longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hermantown, Minnesota. Sally generously served her community through women’s groups, children’s programs, fellowship and worship teams, church council roles as President and Vice President, small group Bible studies, food pantry, church events, and preparing braille Bibles. She joyfully sang and played in numerous church choirs and concerts, had a lifelong love of music playing the organ, piano, mandolin, and clarinet, and was always up for dancing.

Sally was a gifted artist and passionate gardener, creating stunning gardens and filling every home she lived in with beauty. She was also an accomplished, self-taught seamstress with countless satisfied customers, able to create or transform garments, upholstery, and draperies with remarkable skill. Sally enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and gathering with her Hardanger group. She was a wonderful cook who delighted in experimenting with new recipes. Her love of the outdoors included years of camping, fishing, and cruising the lakes, along with getting her ‘steps in’ every day.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at The Highlands for their compassionate care, and to all who visited, sent cards, flowers, gifts, and offered prayers and support.

Sally will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Our separation is only temporary. Rest in peace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Ellen “Toots” Smith; sisters, Nancy (Jonell) and husband, Tom, and Marilee (Brechlin) and husband, Tom; first husband, Dewayne “Dewey” Helmer; and second husband, Craig “Walt / Skip / Pete” Peterson. Sally and Dewayne were also blessed with two children, Brad and Carrie, who died shortly after birth.

Sally is survived by her children, Greg (Joy) Helmer, Susie (George) Barr, Shawn (Lizzie) Helmer, and Ryan (Rexy) Helmer; grandchildren, Joshua, Stacie (Andres), Zachary (Maggie), Wesley, and Evan; great-grandchildren, Esme, Beckett, Brooks, and Molleigh; sister, Linda (Don) Clark; brothers-in-law, Dick Helmer, Mark (Liz) Helmer; stepchildren, Terri (Jason) Malec and Debbie Fleck; step-grandchildren, Samantha (Jerad), Lindsey (Tony), Jake (Jess), Skyler, Tyler, and Ryan; and step-greatgrandchildren, Addie, Josie, Mason, Olivia, Aili, Brooks, Louie, and Ariana; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy 55811. To be followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Fellowship luncheon will be served.

Additional fellowship at Skyline Bowling and Event Center, 4894 Miller Truck Hwy, Hermantown, MN. From 2-5pm.

In lieu of gifts, we kindly ask that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.