Funeral Director - Owner

Ken B. Peterson CFSP

Owner/Funeral Director
I started my career at Johnson Peterson in 4th grade assisting at visitations and funerals. I realized at that time I wanted to be able to help and serve people at a time of need. I am a graduate of Winona State University with a BS in Art Education and the University of Minnesota with a BS in Mortuary Science. Throughout my career in funeral service, I have been active in community service and professional associations. I have served as president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, Executive Board Member of the National Funeral Directors Association and past president of the Minnesota Foundation for Children, which sponsors Camp Amanda, a grief camp for children, of which I am the camp photographer.

Susan H. Peterson

Office Manager
Sue's parents were involved with the international division of 3M and that is part of the reason for Sue's travels. Her birth place was Sydney, Australia, her family was then transferred to St. Paul for 5 years, then to Campinas, Brazil for 6 years and then back to St. Paul, where she graduated from Sibley High School. After graduating from Sibley, she attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she received her degree in Elementary Education. While living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, teaching positions were few and far between. Sue found work as a part time bookkeeper/receptionist at a nursing home, along with working at the Ebenezer Day Care Center as an assistant teacher. After two years in Milwaukee, she then moved to Independence, Iowa where she worked at Headstart, and then eventually found her passion! She taught 1st grade in Independence and Kindergarten at South Elementary in Rowley, part of the Independence school district for 25 years. Sue's two children , Adam and Amanda, graduated from Independence and now both live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 2001 she moved back to St. Paul and started working full time at Johnson-Peterson , as office manager/owner and teacher here too, as she presents the STAR class to the families we serve. Involvement in the funeral business brought her to the awareness of Camp Amanda, now known as Hearts for Hope and Teen Retreat. It has become a passion for her and she has volunteered at 15 camps as the counselor for the 5-7 year old group and she now serves on the Children's Grief Connection Board. In 2004, she married Ken and they live in Birchwood. Her family has expanded to Ken's children; Jessica Johnson, Amy and Mark Albrecht , Kristy Peterson and grandchildren; Kaleb, and twins Logan and Alaina, all of whom live within the surrounding suburbs. In her spare time, you'll find her taking in the peacefulness of their cabin in Pepin, WI, enjoying their yellow lab, Buddy, exercising with kettle bells, world groove, and running, reading, sudoku and especially enjoying precious time with family.

Barb McAdams

Hairdresser
I have been involved in funeral service since I was a young girl as my father was a funeral director. I have been working as Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home's hairdresser since 1976.

Jeanne Azzone

Assistant
Jeanne has known the Peterson family for many years, starting with babysitting Ken Peterson's 3 daughters. Her father was friends with Ken Peterson Sr. as well. They met when my dad lived at the funeral home, when he first moved to St. Paul in the early 1950's.
Jeanne assists with visitations, funerals, office work and where ever else needed. She enjoys visiting and caring for the many families that Johnson-Peterson service. She is an animal lover and in her spare time loves to garden, fish, travel, and go antiquing!

Wayne Thompson

Wayne started at a very young age in funeral service, being the son of a funeral home owner in Little Falls, Minnesota. The family business was Thompson Funeral Home which is today the Shelley Funeral Home. After graduating with an Engineering Degree from the University of Minnesota, he served in the Army. Wayne worked for 3M Company as an engineer. In retirement, he chose to re-enter the funeral business and work as a hearse driver and Funeral Director"s Assistant. Often while working services,Wayne will find a connection with people that have ties to 3M. We enjoy having Wayne work with us.

Ken Aucutt

Ken is a Funeral Director's Assistant. He was raised in the Minnehaha Falls area of Minneapolis, remembering as a youth when it was open farmland. For many years he served as a motorcycle escort for funeral processions. We are pleased to have Ken's personality and experience serving as a Director's Assistant.