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Donald F. Peterson, born August 14, 1925, passed May 7, 2026

Donald was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, and close friend Carmen. He is survived by his sons; Jeff (Marilyn) of Maple Plain, MN, David (Jodi) of Buffalo, MN, and Todd (Kelly) of Frostproof, FL; his daughter, Gretchen (John) of Duluth, MN; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Donald was born in Taylors Falls MN to Frank and Mabel Peterson (Hall) and raised on his parent’s farm in Almelund, MN. He attended Taylors Falls High School where he met the love of his life, Joanne, followed by their graduation and marriage on June 24, 1945, while Donald was on leave from the Army. Donald proudly served in the US Army 6th Infantry Division in the South Pacific and was aboard ship in the Philippine’s staging for the invasion of Japan just prior to the bombing.  He then served in South Korea and was Honorably Discharged in October 1946.

 Following military service, Donald attended Macalester College and graduated with a degree in 1950.

Donald and Joanne moved to Minneapolis following his military service and then to Richfield, MN in1950 where they bought a home and raised four children. Donald had a long and highly regarded career in the homeowners insurance industry employed by Austin Mutual Insurance Company throughout,  and from which he retired in 1994. 

Donald’s lifelong dream of owning a cabin on a northern Minnesota lake became a reality more than 50 years ago when he and Joanne purchased property on Lake Washburn in Outing, MN. After Donald retired in 1994, they made their lake home their permanent residence, and over the years it became a gathering place for family and friends. To their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Donald was “PaPa” and Joanne was “Gami,” and many of their fondest memories were made at the lake. As one family member said, “The place was magical—warm, joyful, and full of fun and togetherness.”

Donald could be stubborn, but he was also strong, deeply determined, and a hard worker—someone his family could always count on. He was a man of high moral character who cared deeply for those around him. Raised in the Swedish Lutheran tradition, he carried a strong faith in God throughout his life.

Family would like to thank all the staff at Haven Homes Assisted Living, Transitional Care, and St. Croix Hospice for wonderful care, love, and support. Memorials preferred to: The Alzheimer’s Assoc. (Alzheimer’s Assoc. of MN, 7900 W 78th St, Suite 100, MPLS., MN 55439. 

Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund, MN.   Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Almelund, MN. 

Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom MN. Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com.

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