Annabel Lee Petersen

Annabel (Burhans) Petersen, age 92, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 at CHI-St. Francis Nursing Home in Breckenridge, MN. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at United Methodist Church in Breckenridge. Visitation is at the church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the funeral. Pastor Shandon Klein will officiate and burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Breckenridge. Arrangements are entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home.

Annabel was born on May 2, 1932, in Campbell, MN, to Edward and Edith (Sorgenfrey) Burhans. She attended school in Doran, MN, and then graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1950. Annabel was united in marriage to Merwin Petersen on September 23, 1951, at Doran Presbyterian Church. Merwin and Annabel farmed until 1963 when they purchased Breck Lanes. They owned and operated Breck Lanes for 20 years. They then purchased Cal’s Diner in 1977 and operated that for five years. They also owned and operated Ann’s Shoebox for ten years. Annabel was a member of United Methodist Church in Breckenridge, Eagles Auxiliary, and the Methodist Women’s group. She enjoyed time with family which included playing pinochle, entertaining, bowling, cooking, tending her plants, and most of all caring for her grandchildren. She is also known for her extensive clothes and shoe collections. 

Annabel is survived by her husband, Merwin of Breckenridge; children, Sharon (Brian) Caspers of Fargo ND; Diane (Tim) Fox of West Fargo, ND; and Patricia (Gene) Harris of Wahpeton, ND; 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, James Petersen; grandson, Michael Cremers; daughter-in-law Judy Petersen; brothers, Rodney, Kenneth, Orvis, Kirk, and Fred Burhans; sisters, Myrtle Petersen, Jessie Klein, Alta Conrad, Maxine Berg, Marguerite Ross, and Alice Warfield.

Special thanks to CHI Hospice, all the staff at Twin Town Villa, and St. Francis Nursing Home for all of their attentive and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to United Methodist Church in Breckenridge and CHI Hospice.