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Gerald A. Peterson was born May 31, 1922, in Elk River Township and raised in Big Lake Township. He was united in marriage to Thelma S. Swenson July 17, 1943, at Bethel Baptist Church in Duluth. They made their home in Elk River before moving to Stanchfield in 1945. They lived there until 1970 when he was appointed Zoning Administrator for Chisago County and they moved to the North Branch and Lindstrom area. He retired in 1984 and they spent the next 14 years in Mesa, Arizona. They moved back to Cambridge and Braham area after that.

Gerald enjoyed meeting and talking to new people. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball, bowling and golf. He was also an avid boxing fan. He was often found spending many hours driving the backroads and enjoying the countryside.

Gerald passed away March 23, 2005, at his home in Elmhurst Apartments. He was 83 years old.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma on April 5, 2002; sons: Michael and Kevin and sister Rachel Holmlund.

He is survived by his daughters: Priscillia and husband John Ondracek, of Elk River, and Jackie and husband Warren Christenson, of Shoreview; four grandchildren, Rhonda (Dale) Virden, of Zimmerman; Amory (Donn) MacDonald, of Rockport, MA; Quelyn (Barry) Gulley, of Richmond, IN; and Pennie (Nick) Frank of Brainerd; four great-grandchildren: Greg Virden, Shelly Tucker, Ayden Gulley and Truett Gulley; other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were Monday, March 28, 2005, at Stanchfield Baptist Church with Rev. Dale Cope officiating. Music was provided by organist Naomi Johnson and soloist Lawrence Olson. Interment was in the Stanchfield Baptist Cemetery.

Arrangements handled by Rock Mankie Burial and Cremation Service of Braham, MN.

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