Alene Peterson

Alene M. (Brockett) Peterson, 89, formerly of Spooner, WI died on February 23, 2026 In Roseville, MN.

Alene was born in Eau Claire, WI on September 26, 1936 to Willis Garrett Brockett and Pearle Elizabeth (Malmstrom) Brockett. She attended Eau Claire High School and received her RN from Bethesda School of Nursing in Saint Paul, MN in 1957. She married Norman J. Peterson in Eau Claire, WI on May 24, 1958. The couple then moved to Saint Paul, subsequently raising their family of three daughters in Coon Rapids, MN. She returned to school in the 1970’s to obtain her MSW and thereafter worked with special needs children in educational systems in Minnesota.

An avid reader and fiber artist, Alene left her mark on Spooner in her retirement. Combining their lifelong dreams, Alene and her husband, Norm, launched Northwind Book and Fiber in 1993. She also helmed the Wisconsin Northwest Heritage Passage program, an outgrowth of which is the Arts in Hand Gallery.

Alene is survived by daughters Elizabeth Peterson of Boston, MA, Deanna Mello of Roseville, MN and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Willis and Pearle Brockett, husband Norman Peterson, daughter Norma Peterson and son-in-law Michael Mello.

Funeral services are planned for the spring, on Saturday, May 16 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spooner, Pastor Heather Kistner presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am with service at 11:30 am.  A light luncheon will follow. A private interment will take place at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or other memorials, the family asks that you support your favorite local independent bookstore or artist.