Thief River Falls – Arnold Peterson, of Thief River Falls, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, at the age of 90.
Arnold Lester Peterson was born October 8, 1932 in Silverton Township, Pennington County, the son of Clarence and Emma (Christopherson) Peterson. He was baptized on November 20, 1932 at Silverton Lutheran Church by Rev. E.O. Sabo (sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Syvert Hanson, Orvin Peterson, Evelyn Peterson). He was confirmed at Silverton Lutheran Church on September 22, 1946 by Rev. E.O. Urness. He attended Elwell Country School in Silverton Township, graduating in the 8th grade. Even though he would have loved to continue his education, Arnold’s commitment was to work on the family farm.
On July 14, 1957, Arnold was united in marriage to Marian Nelson of Newfolden, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, by Rev. Walter Pedersen. The couple settled on the Peterson Family Farm in Silverton Township. To this union four children were born, David, Ricky, Julie and Susan.
Arnold was a farmer at a very early age, he raised lambs, pigs, dairy cows, beef cattle and chickens. He began driving tractors at the age of 12 and enjoyed farming as a life-long career. He was proud to work alongside his sons, David and Ricky for many years. Arnold saw to it that his farmyard and fields were very well kept!
During the 1960s, Arnold worked several jobs including, Arctic Cat for 3 winters, Si-Mar Sunflower Plant and he worked as a private contractor for the Thief River Falls Post Office as Mail Messenger for six years. He also worked as a substitute letter carrier before becoming a full-time rural letter carrier, retiring after 26 years of service.
Arnold was a member of Silverton Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Eagles Club, 4-H, Rural Youth, as well as playing on a rural hockey team. Arnold served on the Thief River Falls Creamery Board, ASC Committee, Rural Letter Carriers Association and served as President and Vice President of the Northern Minnesota Rural Letter Carriers Association. He received the 4-H Alumni award and was inducted into the Pennington County 4-H Hall of Fame.
Arnold enjoyed his family and spending time with them. He especially loved time with the grandchildren and great-grandchild; and giving golf cart rides to them. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, feeding the birds and especially ice fishing.
Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Marian; children, David (Betty) Peterson, Ricky (Brenda) Peterson, Julie Peterson and Susan (Roger) Finger all of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Katrina (special friend, Kal Salentiny) Peterson, Ethan Peterson, Makayla Peterson, Shanielle (Tyler) Ahlf, Zachary Finger, Brenden Finger, Samantha (fiancé Brandon Walters) Finger; great-grandson, Hogan Ahlf; sisters, Margaret Rupprecht, Carol DeLap, Joyce Sang; sisters-in-law, Joan Roppe, Janice (William) Olson; brothers-in-law, Vernon (Sheila) Nelson, Gary (Karen) Nelson, Jerome (Patty) Nelson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother; infant sister; sisters, Pearl (Irwin) Johnson, Irene (Ronald) Johnson, Lorraine (Warren Mosbeck and Fredrick “Fred” Dallmann) Dallmann; brothers-in-law, Donald Rupprecht, Roger DeLap, John Sang, Marvin (Avis) Nelson, Wallace Roppe; and sister-in-law, Deloris (Albin) Holten.
Visitation was held from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. with a 5 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation was also held at 10 a.m. on Monday with the service to celebrate Arnold’s life at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 5, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Eric Miller officiating. Burial followed at Silverton Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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