Nina Ann (nee Nielander) Peterson was born in Atlanta, GA to Arthur and Mary Louise Nielander.  At the age of three, she moved with her family to the Roger’s Park neighborhood of Chicago where she spent her childhood and attended North Park Academy.  Nina attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from The University of Iowa with a Bachelor's of Science in Education.  She married Rodd Peterson in 1959 and they settled in Arlington Heights where they raised six sons. 

Nina spent 34 years as a middle school and junior high school teacher in Arlington Heights, River Forest and Elmwood Park, retiring in 2005. And while teaching was her treasured vocation, faith and family were her foundations.  

A woman who loved to share her faith in Christ, she was a  member of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights for 27 years, and of The Orchard Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church for 34 years, where she served the Lord in Stephen Ministries, Angel Tree Prison Fellowship, a Sunday School Teacher and was a member of many Life Groups.  

A loving Mother and Grammy. Nina is survived by her sons: Brek (Laurie), Rick (Julie), Mark (Kathy), Kurt (Kim), Erik (Amie), Kreg (Laura) Peterson; 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  She is survived by her sister Betty (late Bob) Davis and was preceded in death by brother Arthur Nielander, Jr.    

Memorial Visitation Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 2:00 pm at  The Orchard Evangelical Church, Arlington Campus, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 followed by a Life Celebration Service at 4:00 pm.

Inurnment Private.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Open the Bible and/or St. Jude Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

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