Donald E. Peterson was born on April 18, 1940, in the Madison Hospital to parents Edwin and Clara (Holm) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed in Louisburg, MN. He attended school in Louisburg and Appleton, graduating from Appleton High School in 1959. In December, 1959, he joined the Air Force, serving as a nurse and was honorably discharged in 1963.
He was united in marriage to Judi Hoium on August 13, 1966. They had two daughters during their fifteen-year marriage.
Don drove truck for the soybean plant until 1975, worked at the flour mill until 1983, then for the City of Dawson Street Department until his retirement in 1999.
He was active in Boy Scouts and Fire Arms Safety Program and was an active member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and Grace Lutheran Church, including ushering, working at the cemetery, and being involved in the Befrienders program. He also enjoyed the State Parks of Minnesota, yearly canoe trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, playing bingo with friends, taking photographs, spending time with family and friends, and helping out anytime anyone needed a hand.
After a long battle with liver and kidney disease, Don died on Saturday, October 14, 2000, at Fairview-University Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 60.
Don is survived by his mother, Clara Peterson of Madison; his daughters: Teresa (Mike) Petersen of Seattle, WA, and Carla (Keith) Hartneck of Blaine; grandchildren: Adrian, Alex, and Justin; sister, Sharon Vick of Madison; brothers: David (Lee) Peterson of Brookings, SD, and Eddie (Betty) Peterson of Ramsey; special friend, Sandy Streich of Marietta; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Peterson.