Thief River Falls \u2013 Chickie Peterson was born on March 16, 1961, the youngest of twelve children born to Harold and Gladys (Skallet) Walseth. From the very beginning, she carried with her an old soul, one that would grow into a life marked by love, resilience, creativity, and deep connection to others.
\nShe was married for 28 years to the love of her life, Gary. Together, they built a family they were deeply proud of, rooted in love, acceptance, and togetherness.
\nHer greatest pride and joy were her five children and eleven grandchildren. Time spent with them was her favorite place to be. She taught them, not through grand speeches but through everyday moments, that the true meaning of life is love and kindness. She made sure they felt the grass beneath their bare feet, hugged trees without hesitation, and learned to cherish the beauty of this world and their place in it.
\nChickie was an active and devoted member of the AA community, where she touched countless lives. Through her strength, determination, and unwavering encouragement, she offered hope to many whose lives were affected by addiction. She showed others that healing was possible and that no one had to walk alone. To many, she was a steady presence, a safe place, and a pillar of the community whose impact will be felt for years to come.
\nIn addition to her work in recovery, Chickie was a Reiki healer who believed deeply in the power of healing, energy, and compassion. She shared this gift freely, always seeking to bring comfort, balance, and peace to those around her.
\nMusic was another deep and sacred love in Chickie\u2019s life. She came from a musically gifted family and carried that gift with her, playing in a band for several years and blessing those around her with a voice that everyone who loved her remembers as truly beautiful. She often said that listening to music was a spiritual experience, one that could move you, heal you, and connect you to something greater.
\nThose left to mourn the light and love of Chickie are her loving husband, Gary, her partner of 28 years and the great love of her life. She lives on through her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She is survived by her daughter, Missi Smith and her children, Crosby and Winnie; her daughter, Lindsay (Adam) Sjulestad and their children, Rose, Sully, Evie, and Leni Lou; her son, Sam (Kayla) Kofstad and their sons, Bryton and Blaine; her daughter, Brittni Johnson (Brian Newton) and their daughters, Aida and Averie; her son, Gabe Peterson (Tristan Hanson) and their son, Gauge. She is also survived by her faithful Yorkie, Ollie, who was a source of comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.
\nShe is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Marie Owens, Roy (Barb) Walseth, Al (Eileen) Walseth, Wally (Mary) Walseth, Lyle (Arlene) Walseth, and Scott Walseth. She leaves behind her brothers-in-law, Paul O\u2019Gorman and Roger Hruby; and her sisters-in-law, Mary Walseth, Nita Walseth Fisher, and Kristy (Paul) Kelley; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
\nWaiting to welcome her home into God\u2019s loving embrace are her parents, Harold and Gladys Walseth; her parents-in-law, Gerald and Thelma Peterson; her siblings, Jane O\u2019Gorman, Ed Walseth, Lee Walseth, Vernon Walseth, and Karen Hruby; as well as her beloved niece, Bonita Owens; and her nephew, Vernon Walseth.
\nChickie was an old soul in a modern world, a woman who understood that love is the highest vibration. She taught us that family is not just about DNA, but about the energetic threads we weave between one another. Today, we do not say goodbye to her spirit; we simply learn to feel it in a new way, just as she taught us to do for so many others.
\nArtistic, witty, and endlessly genuine, Chickie had a way of seeing the world that was both beautiful and honest. She treasured deep relationships, meaningful conversations, and the simple magic of human connection. She loved fiercely, lived authentically, and left people better than she found them.
\nTo honor Chickie, those who loved her are invited to listen to music that moves their soul, walk barefoot in the grass, hug a tree, and choose kindness, just as she did every day.
\nChickie\u2019s life was a gift, defined by compassion, growth, and an abiding love for her family, her community, and the world around her. She will be deeply missed and forever carried in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.
\nVisitation will be held from 5\u20137 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.
\nVisitation will also begin at 10 a.m., with the service to celebrate Chickie\u2019s life at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow in the church dining area.
\nBurial will be at Viking Cemetery at a later date.
\nCondolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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