Marlen (Pete) Vernon Peterson, 86, Ada, Minnesota, died on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN. He was born June 22, 1938, to Vernon and Mollie (Sluka) Peterson in Badger, MN. He was raised on a family farm with five siblings and graduated from Badger High School in 1956.
On September 30, 1961, Marlen was united in marriage to Gloria Widrig in Fertile, MN. In November of that same year, he was drafted into the United States Army and served basic training in Fort Carson, CO, and was later stationed in Fort Hood, TX. On November 20, 1963, he was Honorably Discharged and returned to Minnesota. Through the Army, he received employment training and began working at Goodyear Tire Store in Ada. Marlen and Gloria rented a few farmsteads for several years until they purchased their family farm east of Ada. With three little children in tow, they moved into their forever home on their 8th wedding anniversary. They spent their lives together on the farm and raised a family.
At the farm, Marlen raised sheep and occasionally a few other animals. The crops Marlen grew were to feed his herd. He liked Oliver tractors and chopped an amazing amount of wood for winter heat. He liked to play cards and served as Treasurer for the Lake Ida Township for several decades. In 1993, Marlen went to work for Norman County Implement. Marlen had a talent for welding and fit in well with his fellow pranksters. He had never laughed or enjoyed a job so much in his entire life. In 2001, he retired from the implement and continued to work on the farm. In 2012, he was in a wood-cutting accident and retired from farming. At this time, his grandchildren introduced him to a few goats, and his herd transitioned from sheep to goats. Marlen continued to raise sheep and goats until he was no longer able to care for them.
His sons survive Marlen: Marlen Jr (Nancy) Peterson of Fargo ND; Paul (Rosie) Peterson of Brookings, SD; daughters: Tammy (Terry) Peterson of Moorhead, MN; Susan (Jason) Bahls of Dilworth, MN; LeAnn Peterson of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren: Kaylen Stanley of Fargo, ND; Jordan Peterson of Glastonbury, CT; Katelyn Arman of Bloomington, MN; Eric Bahls of West Fargo, ND; Tim Peterson of Fargo, ND; Kasey Peterson of Fargo, ND; Derek Peterson of Brookings, SD; great-grandchild: Brenda Stanley of Fargo, ND; brothers: Ted (Marilyn) Peterson of Mesa, AZ; Norris (Carolyn) of Sedona, AZ; and Terry (Tony) Peterson of Roseau, MN; sisters: Varlene Ulrich of San Jose, CA; and Sharon Neuberger of Eagle, ID; and his dog: Speedy.
He was preceded in death by his mother (1966), father (1981), brother David (2001), best friend DuWayne (2021), and his wife Gloria (2021).
Funeral Service: 11:30 AM, Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rural Ada, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Interment: St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Ada, MN.
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