Gary Peterson
Gene Gary Peterson was born August 16, 1944 at his grandmother’s home near Middle River, MN the son of Gene F. and Ann (Wagner) Peterson. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed at United Lutheran Church in Gatzke, MN. Gary attended Gatzke Elementary School through the eighth grade and graduated from Middle River High School with the class of 1961 (at age of 16). Following high school, Gary attended Bemidji State College where he studied history.
In 1965, Gary was united in marriage to Cheryl Beyer and to this union three daughters were born, Kristina, Paula and Kate. The family settled in East Grand Forks, MN where he started working in the parts department for International Harvester. In 1970, Gary purchased a farm near Gatzke where the family resided for a time before moving to Middle River in 1971.
Gary taught Industrial Arts, drove school bus, coached basketball for the Middle River Skippers and served on the Middle River School Board. In the years while living in Middle River, he started working in tax preparation, served as vice president at First National Bank and later purchased the Middle River Tax Service which he owned and operated until selling the business to Dan Penas. Gary’s clients and co-workers became just like family.
In 1978, Gary was united in marriage to Bonnie Peterson and to this union a daughter, Maria was born. During this time, Gary farmed in addition to operating the tax office.
Gary enjoyed gardening, bird watching, hunting, fishing, photography, music, car shows, reading, and collecting various treasures and interests. His passion was spending time outdoors with his flowers, cutting wood, and feeding the animals and birds. Gary loved spending time with family and friends. He was known for his witty sense of humor and his smile could be seen through his eyes. On April 28, 2001, Gary was united in marriage to Lloydeen “Dena” Huntley and they made their home in Greenbush, MN. Together they enjoyed traveling, collecting, flower gardening, and visiting their children and grandchildren. They were members of Grace Evangelical Church in Strathcona, MN where he served as a board member.
Gary Peterson, 77, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away at home on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
The service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Grace Evangelical Church in Strathcona, MN with Pastor Curt Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held from noon until 2:00 PM on Sunday at church. Burial will follow at Landstad Cemetery near Gatzke, MN.
Survivors include his wife, Dena of Greenbush, MN; daughters, Dr. Kristina Peterson of Chicago, IL, Paula (Jay) Lewis of Walcott, ND, Katharine (Robert Weber) Streifel of Crookston, MN, Dr. Maria (Farhad) Peterson-Ahmad of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Kristofer (Katie) Jones, Kaleb (Meg) Osagie, Leighton Falk, Allie (James) Gerhardson, Camryn Falk, Beatrice Streifel; great-grandchildren, Kano Osagie, Laramie Gerhardson, and Baby Girl Jones (due July 2022); siblings, Myrna (Marv) Espe, Dwight (Janis) Peterson, Maureen (Bob) Giffen, Joni (Craig) Swenson, Tami (Daryl) Comstock; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; step-daughter, Melissa Christensen; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com