Melinda Rose Blacketter-Peterson of Sawyer, 57, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on Dec. 28, 1965, at Cloquet Memorial Hospital to James Jr. and Mary Ann (Nahgahnub) Blacketter.

Melinda was an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and worked as a cook for the Elderly Nutrition program for 23 years. Melinda had an incredible talent for befriending animals and spent many hours watching, feeding and tending to her birds. Melinda had quite the green thumb and was an avid gardener. In life, Melinda was a devoted mother, sister, friend, aunt and wife. She spent her time pouring her heart into her family, watching after her nieces, nephews and younger siblings with her motherly presence. Melinda always kept her humor close about her, often giggling or laughing hysterically with her sisters, friends and brothers at her witty jokes. Melinda also enjoyed listening to music, playing cards, and spending time with her lifelong closest friend and cousin, Gayle Tiessen. Melinda had one child, her son, Cole Alan Hilton, whom she loved the most in

this world.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents; her younger brother, Kris Blacketter; and the father of her son, Dave Hilton. She is survived by her husband, Paul Peterson; siblings, James III (Jennifer) Blacketter, Shirley (Robert) Martin, Brad "Raff" (Melanie) Blacketter, Cindy

Blacketter and Matt Blacketter; her son, Cole Hilton (Samantha Ladeaux); granddaughter, Paisley Hilton; and two nieces, numerous nephews, and cousins.

Services were held March 28 at Nelson Funeral Care. Inurnment will be held at a later date following a celebration of her life.