Pete was born at home on March 12, 1932, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Ludvig P. and Myrtle Lillian (Jahr) Peterson. He was the youngest of five children. As a toddler his family moved to a farm in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He loved growing up and working on his family farm. He always spoke so fondly of his parents and family, and his memories there. Pete also worked for a larger neighboring farm. At the age of 19, he followed in his older brother Lester's steps and served a four-year term in the United States Navy. After returning home, he again followed his brother to Rockford IL, where he became a Union Bricklayer. Several years later, he went to work for family at Cherry Valley Tool and Machine Co. until retirement.
In Rockford, Pete soon met Anita Bursell, whom he quickly became "quite sweet on her." They were married on November 8, 1958, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. After almost 60 years of marriage, he would still light up whenever she would enter the room. He would always smile and say "yep, she's a wonderful person." Their marriage was truly an inspiration, even though he was Norwegian, and she was Swedish, hence the source of lots of family joking.
While Anita loved her kitchen and enjoyed baking for company, Pete's garage or basement workshop were always open to anyone who needed something repaired or built. He could literally make or fix anything, hence why the neighbor guys gave him the nickname "Stein," short for Einstein. Pete would get a kick out of the neighbor kids, who would stop by his garage to see what he was doing. They would sometimes bring their toys for him to fix because "Mr. Peterson can fix it." He also enjoyed helping to make Boy Scout derby cars and giving haircuts to the guys in the family.
Pete was a project person. He was the happiest when he was in the middle of a project. And his daughter was the same way. From childhood through adulthood, Dawn always "had an idea". When she took her ideas to her Dad, he would always come up with a plan and help her built it. Together with his daughter and son-in-law Mike, they enjoyed doing projects like building a castle bedroom for his little granddaughter, Braydyn.
Pete also served for many, many years on the Church Property Committee. He enjoyed repairing things at the church and also serving as an Usher, especially when the coffee pot was on, and Norma Spitzmiller would make the guy’s homemade Norwegian donuts. To this day dear Norma, age 99 would still make and send over her donuts for Pete and his family.
There are two scriptures that best describe Pete. The first one is
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control".
Pete loved his family, especially his granddaughter Braydyn and all of his dear nieces and nephews. Pete had a natural joy within him. When he walked into a room his countenance brought in a sense of peacefulness. He was kind and good to everyone and could always see the best in people. He had the most incredible amount of patience!!! Pete was faithful to his family, friends, church, and commitments. Though not much of talker, he had a servant’s heart and was always quick to respond when needed. He was a calm, quiet man, who did not yell or raise his voice. He didn't speak negatively of others, nor grumble or complain, even up to the end.
The second verse that best describes Pete is
Proverbs 3:13 "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding."
Pete was a man of logic, wisdom, and facts. His Bible and books were always present on his end table next to his chair. He would generally only read or watch "information" media. When he was no longer physically able to attend church, he would watch his favorite pastors on TV every day. He quickly selected those who were calm and logical, and he preferred the pastors who put their scriptures on the screen so he could read them for himself. Two of his favorite pastors were Dr. Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries, and Dr. David Jeremiah of Turning Point Ministry.
Pete is survived by his daughter Dawn and son-in-law Mike McGirk; Granddaughter Braydyn McGirk; soon to be grandson-in-law, Nathan Dingess; sister-in-laws Loretta Robinett, Jane Bursell; brother-in-law Brian (Jen) Bursell; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his wife Anita; his siblings and their spouses: sister Olive (Raymond) Weflen; brother Lester (Josephine) Peterson; sisters Arlene (Alvin) Pearson and Genevieve (Burton) Lane; nieces Kathy Scharpen, Sandy Tennyson, Mary Lane; nephews Steven Weflen, Kenny Pearson; great nephews, Scott Beeh, Jeremy Peterson; great great niece Madyson Panek.
In Anita’s family he is predeceased by brother-in-law Robert Bursell; sister-in-laws and their spouses: Sydney (Frank) Fosse and Roberta (Neil) Hallen; nephew Gary DuSavage; great nephew Matthew Bielski.
Dawn would like to say Thank You, to each and every one of you (so many to mention) who came along side her in this 7+ year journey of taking caring care of her parents. It was her hope that they could remain in their home until their passing, and because of all of you, she was able to do that. May the Lord truly bless you!!!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, December 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation prior to the service from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL. Pastor Jonathan Ziman of Gospel Fellowship Church will be officiating. Graveside service will immediately follow at the adjoining cemetery. Lunch and fellowship will follow the graveside service at the home of Loretta Robinett 3231 Dallas Rd Rockford IL (across the street from Pete's house). Memorials can be made to the family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Peterson family.
