Kenneth Peterson

Kenneth “Ken” Peterson, 79, of Baxter, formerly of Garrison, died Friday, April 18, 2014 at his home. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 12, 2014 at Light of the Cross Lutheran Church in Garrison with Pastor Juli Sutton-Deem officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services. Interment with Military Honors will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

Ken was born February 16, 1935, in Ortonville, MN, the son of Reuben and Lydia (Johnson) Peterson. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy. On July 27, 1957, Ken married Shirley Anderson. They began their life together on a farm in North Dakota before returning to Ortonville where Ken worked for an oil trucking company. He continued his career as a mechanic and welder when they moved to the Twin Cities Metro area a few years later where he worked for American Trailer, Great Dane, and Blaine Brothers Trucking.

Ken enjoyed reading, baseball, fishing and woodworking. He also liked the outdoors – especially hunting and gardening. He was a member of Light of the Cross Lutheran Church in Garrison and enjoyed socializing. His family and grandchildren were the most important part of Ken’s life.

He will be missed by his wife, Shirley; children, Tammy Peterson, of Garrison, Wanda (Mike) Ruzynski, of Brainerd, Tracy (Rob) Hiller, of Richmond, KY, and Todd (Theresa) Peterson, of Anoka; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Carole Gemsey, Dee Strege, Joan Carlson, Joyce Peterson, Bob Peterson, and Jack Peterson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Keith and Bradley; and sister, Janet.