Andrea Peterson

of Wall, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, April 15, 2026
at Scotchman Living Center in Philip at the age of 85

Andrea Joyce Peterson was born to Minnie and Andrew Qualm on October 20, 1940, in Bonesteel, SD. She graduated from Rapid City Central High School in May of 1958 and married Gary A. Peterson on July 10, 1958. Gary and Andrea enjoyed their family and friends of ranch and rodeo over the 68 years they were together.

“Grandma Pete” was known for her love of “great horses” and she instilled an eye for detail and competitiveness in ALL her children and grandchildren because of this family gene. She was fierce and loyal to the ranch life industry and the rodeo world. She was the G.O.A.T. of timekeeping and it was never an oddity to find others in the stands coming to her to check on their time and their “chances”.

She loved her family, her horses, her cats and her dogs. Most of her stories included one of them. Mom remembered horses’ names and bloodlines as well or better than names of people and the places she had traveled. She loved springtime and its flowers as it meant it was almost rodeo time!

Andrea is grateful to have shared her life with her husband Gary Peterson of Wall; her two daughters, Lori (Greg) Shearer of Wall and Lona (David) Neal of Indianapolis, IN; her one son Randy “Herm” (Lois) Peterson of Rapid City; two nephews; seven grandchildren; and a host of other great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends in the community and the rodeo world.

She is preceded in death by her parents Andrew Qualm and Minnie (Stamer) Qualm; one brother Jim (Arlene) Qualm; and one sister Janet (Larry) Ticknor.

A memorial visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Scotchman Living Center in Philip. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 324 Wall, SD 57790.

Service Details

MEMORIAL VISITATION
Thursday, April 23, 2026 - 4-6 p.m.
Rush Funeral Chapel
Wall, South Dakota

Guest Book

What a great person entering heaven’s gates. All the ones ahead are ready to start talking horses with her. I know how tough losing a mom is, but the love she had for Gary, you girls and Randy, plus grandkids and great grandkids. What a legacy she has left to all of you. She is at peace now and in very good hands.
With deepest sympathy to you all. Marcia Arneson

   ~ Marcia Arneson Rapid City, SD (4/19/2026)
So sorry to hear about your mom Lona. You and your family are in my prayers.
   ~ ANGELA MCNARY Indianapolis (4/23/2026)

Flowers

Image
Colby Shearer and Family
Image
Family - "Wife" "Mom"
Image
Tim and Sherrie Nutter and Family
Image
Roxanne and Ron
Image
The Hinkes Family
Image
Jackie Colombe and Family
Image
Your Chicago Title Company
Image
Jim Bob, Kayla, and Evelyn
Image
Tim and Jill Wade
Image
Family - "Grandma"
Image
Image
Your Friends at First Interstate Bank
Image
Dakota Country Pharmacy
Image
Scotchman Living Center Team