Donald L. Peterson

Donald L. Peterson, 85, of Gilbert, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 10, 2015. He was born August 9, 1929 in White Bear, MN to Louis and Beth (LaMont) Peterson. He served 2 terms of service in the army and received the Korean Service Medal. He married Dolores Ruckmar on August 7, 1954 in West St. Paul. His love for the outdoors sent the young couple out of the big City to start their new life in Gilbert. He was employed as a planner/estimator by Erie Mining Company, dedicating 30 years of service before retiring in 1984. In 1980, Erie sent him and his wife to Savage River Mines in Tasmania, Australia for 3 months as a maintenance consultant. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and being with his family. He also enjoyed writing and has documented many of his “trips to the end of the road.” He was a life member of VFW Post 4456, the American Legion #138, and BPOE Elks Lodge #1161. He was also a member of the NRA and a multitude of other hunting and fishing organizations. He was also a member of the Gilbert Ridge Riders and was founder and patriarch of the Golden Horn Lodge in Brimson. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 60 years, Dolores; their children, Linda (Jim Johnson) Peterson, Don (Terri) Peterson Jr., and Penny (Joseph) Calger; 2 granddaughters, Stacey (Gregg) Helland, and Christy Peterson. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, and one sister. Memorial service will be 11am Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Community United Methodist Church in Gilbert with Pastor Mickey Olson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Gilbert Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Gilbert VFW Post. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.