Harold Mervin Petersen

Harold Mervin Petersen December 30, 1943 - July 20, 2024 Harold Mervin Petersen, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on July 20, 2024, in Arden Hills, MN. Harold was born on December 30, 1943, in Tacoma, WA to Louise and Mervin Petersen. On the day he was born, his father, Mervin, was in Europe defending our country in World War II. His mother, Louise, was living in Tacoma with her parents until her husband returned from war. Mervin and Louise made their home in Albert Lea, MN which is where Harold was raised. The family welcomed two more boys, Rodney and Frank. Harold was a natural musician with an ear for the 'perfect pitch.' He played first-chair violin in the Albert Lea High School Symphony Orchestra and sang in the choir. He was also involved in theater and the yearbook staff. During high school, when his dad's job relocated to LaMoure, ND, Harold stayed in Albert Lea for a short time, living with extended family. He then moved to LaMoure for his senior year, graduating from LaMoure High School in 1962. After graduation, he moved to Minneapolis, MN and quickly found a job in Accounting with Lampert Yards, owned by the Fesler family, in July 1962. It was during this time he met his first wife, Marie Dietrich. They married in January 1963 and welcomed their first child, Cynthia "Cindy" Dawn on January 18, 1964. Cindy was a blessing to the family. She was born with cerebral palsy, and additional brain complications. Harold and Marie worked diligently to find resources for her. They brought Cindy to Shriners Children's and Gillette Children's hospitals in attempts to give Cindy a full and healthy life. However, Cindy went home to be with Jesus on March 20, 1973. Harold's experience with Shriners Children's hospital instilled in him the desire to become a freemason. He joined both the Osman and Zurah chapters of Shriners. Being a mason was a significant part of his belief system. Harold and Marie welcomed their second child, Bridget Louise, on June 8, 1970. Harold was a loving and supportive father to Bridget. He instilled in her a love of music, the importance of hard work, a good education, giving to community, and inevitably gave her the gift of connecting with and cultivating relationships with people. Spending time with Bridget always brought him great joy, and he especially loved sitting on the deck of her Pine City home, looking out at the lake, just "watching the world go by." His years with Marie were active ones, including polka dancing, camping, boating, waterskiing, and spending time with Harold's parents, brothers and their wives. Their favorite spots were Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, MN; his parents' cabin in Ortonville, MN, and the cabin he and his brother, Frank, rented on Pokegama Lake in Pine City, MN. Harold and Marie divorced in 1985. During Harold's career at Lampert Yards, he was responsible for purchasing and advertising for their fifty-seven lumber yards. During these years, he learned to fly small aircraft, often traveling to lumber yards via air. In 1982, Lampert's began downsizing their operations. Harold was offered a position with Liberty State Bank, housed in the same building and also owned by the Fesler family. He transitioned into Building/Property Management and Security. Harold retired in August 2005 after 43 years of service. He took great pride in his civic contributions. He was President of the Snelling-Selby Business Association, and served on the boards of Graffiti, Inc, Midway Chamber, National Association of Bank Security, St. Paul Club, MN Incentive Club, Emerald Society, and more. Harold married Sharon Osterbauer on June 22, 2002. They enjoyed traveling to Mexico, many a cruise on Harold's boat in Afton, and via Princess Cruises. Friday happy hours were spent at The Green Mill where they were regulars. Their blended family would spend treasured time together at Bridget's Pine City lake home. Harold doted on his granddaughter, Arya Brigley, buying her endless toys. He cherished family time, hosting holidays at their home. He treasured and adored the family he and Sharon built together. Harold's life will be remembered as a storied one, surrounded by loving friends and family. He was the type of person willing to lend a helping hand, no questions asked, who could make a friend out of just about anyone. He is no doubt sharing a laugh with those who transitioned before him, reveling in being reconnected. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Sharon Petersen; daughters Bridget Petersen, Sarah (Gino) Brigley, and Emily (Sterling) Marks; granddaughter, Arya Brigley; brothers, Rodney (Helen) Petersen, Frank (Nancy) Petersen; nephews, Dan (Erine) Petersen, and Mark (Elizabeth) Petersen; niece, Jessica Riley; great- nieces, Jasmine Petersen and Sadie Petersen; and first wife/Bridget's mother, Marie (Russ) Klug. He is preceded in death by his parents: Mervin and Louise Petersen; sister, Judy Petersen; daughter, Cynthia Petersen; grandparents, Hans and Laura Haugen, and Rasmus and Anna Petersen; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 3 from 1 to 3 pm, with a short service at 2 pm at Washburn-McReavy, 515 Highway 96, Shoreview, MN, 55126. A private interment for family will be held on a later date at Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Shriners Children's, Twin Cities, https://lovetotherescue.org/.

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Harold Mervin Petersen

December 30, 1943 - July 20, 2024

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