DeeAnn Lee (Ask/Nelson) Peterson, 61, of St. James met her heavenly father on July 2, 2022. She was born in New Ulm on September 4, 1960. Dee was baptized and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James. Dee graduated from St. James High School in 1979. She was active in golf, choir, Madrigals, girls trio, band, danceline, 4-H, was crowned the FFA Sweetheart and was the head majorette of the Marching Saints. She continued on with her education and obtained a Legal Assistant Associate Degree from Willmar Technical College. After working at a law firm in the IDS tower in Minneapolis, she returned home to marry her high school sweetheart, Trent Nelson in June 1981, with whom she shares three beautiful children. While the kids were young. Dee worked as a server at the Hickory Inn and then became the General Manager of the Watonwan Country Club. She and Trent divorced and she later married Wade Peterson in August of 2004. Dee attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where she received an award for English composition while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies within the Health/Science College of Social and Behavioral Sciences as well as Corrections, Magna Cum Laude. She followed her Bachelor of Science degree with a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling focusing on Marriage and Family Therapy. During her education, Dee was a class instructor and graduate assistant advising students in life planning and decision making. Dee’s education gave her an opportunity to work at the Brown County Evaluation Center, New Ulm, as a licensed alcohol/drug counselor (LADC) and was also the Senior Juvenile Detention Officer. In 2007 she became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and started Peterson Counseling Services, serving both the New Ulm and St. James communities. In addition, she was an Adjunct Professor in the Health/Science Department for drug education at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Dee was a caring and compassionate counselor caring for persons of all ages. After moving back to St. James, most recently as a therapist, she took her counseling service to the Truman Public School serving students K-12 based on referrals from administration and parents for a school year. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her “special touch” with pets led to house-sitting invitations from her kids and friends.
 DeeAnn is survived by her children, Jared (Erin) Nelson Springfield, Danika (Alan) Reiser, St. James, Derek (Lindsay) Nelson, Lake Crystal, her parents Darrell and Leora Ask, Butterfield, a sister, Lorelei O’Connor, Midlothian, Va., and a brother, Mitchell (Kelly) Ask, Plymouth. Grandchildren Alexis Nelson, Jillian and Nick Mays, Hudson Reiser, and Presley Nelson. She is also survived her Uncle Alton Ask, Sparta, Wis., nephews and nieces all who will undoubtedly never forget her loving hugs. DeeAnn is preceded in death by her grandparends, Lennart Marvel Warling, Oscar and Laura Ask as well as an aunt, Mavis Warling. DeeAnn advocated Living “one day at a time”, “one hour at a time” and sometimes even “one second at a time”.
 A memorial service celebrating DeeAnn’s life will be held on August 13, 2022, at Augustana Lutheran Church, St. James at 11 a.m. Visitation is from 10 to 11 at the church. Memorials can be sent to her parents Darrell and Leora Ask, 67437 370th Street, Butterfield, MN 56120.