Dr. Peterson

Passed away on May 6, 2012 at age 95 He and his wife, Lois, resided in Burnsville, MN for 41 years. Palmer was born February 18, 1917 to Peter and Aletta (Lee) Peterson and grew up on a farm in Cashton, Wisconsin. Growing up, he enjoyed working on the farm, playing pond hockey, downhill skiing and fishing in the valleys while listening to the birds sing, especially the song sparrow. He graduated from Cashton High School in May 1935 and attended the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse. Following graduation, he taught high school chemistry, physics, and biology in Monticello and Mankato. In 1940, Palmer enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the Jacksonville Florida Naval Hospital to establish the Naval School of Physical Therapy for technicians and Navy trainees. During this period of duty, Palmer was accepted for medical school and was assigned to the University of Marquette Medical School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1952, he completed his Surgical Fellowship at the University of Minnesota and began his general surgical practice in Bloomington, Minnesota. Palmer was affectionately known to his patients and friends as "Dr. Pete", and treated each patient as if they were his only one. He always had plenty of time for his patients and great compassion for them. Palmer retired in 1997 after 50 years of medical practice. Palmer was passionate about the environment, energy conservation and saving wildlife. He greatly enjoyed his natural backyard and feeding and observing the birds and animals. In 2006, he established a 20 acre nature preserve in perpetuity as a tribute to his parents and grandparents. The land was part of their Wisconsin pioneer farm established in 1866. He was very proud of his 100% Norwegian heritage and family genealogy. To honor this legacy, Palmer initiated the call to descendants for a Benrud family memorial. This memorial became a restored pioneer church that now stands at Norskedalen, a Norwegian heritage and nature center, near Coon Valley, Wisconsin. Palmer is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Alette (Lee) Peterson; siblings, Elnora (age 3), Lillian (Paul) Halverson, Mabel (Theodore) Bolles, Milford (Genevieve) Peterson, and Hilmer (Frances) Peterson. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lois (Kuenzel) Peterson of Burnsville, their daughter, Paula (Casey) O'Keefe and granddaughter, Kayla of Burnsville. He is survived by son, Brent Peterson of Naples, FL; daughter, Sheri Peterson of Fort Myers, FL; and Brad (Sandra) Peterson of Murphys, CA; grandchildren, Robert and Karlee Peterson; Sarah (Scott) LeMaster and Hilary (Seth) Hayden; and great-grandchildren, Skylar, Shane and Scottie LeMaster and Sophia Hayden. Sincere thanks to the professional and dedicated staff at Highview Hills in Lakeville, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center, P.O. Box 235, Coon Valley, WI, 54623; the North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, S470 Sunrise Road, Cashton, WI, 54619; or the Mount Olivet Retreat and Nature Center. Funeral service Saturday, May 12, 10:30 AM with visitation 1/2 hour prior at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 50th and Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation also Friday 4-7 PM at the: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th & Hwy 100

Tributes

Dr. Peterson

May 9, 2012

Tributes

Dr. Peterson

May 9, 2012

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203