Michael James Peterson

Michael James Peterson, 47, of Woodbury, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from cancer. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie; children, Samantha, Elizabeth, and Zachary; parents, Bob and Barb Peterson; sister, Roberta Peterson (Neil Otto); parents-in-law, Carol and Ken Knapp; sister-in-law, Kimberly (Shaun) Splechter; brother-in-law, Christopher Knapp; nieces, Madison and Makaylee Splechter; many aunts and uncles; numerous cousins; and a multitude of friends. Michael was preceded in death by grandparents, Lester and Edna (Lau) Robinson, LeRoy Peterson, and Morris and Elaine (Johnston) Maruska. Michael was born July 31, 1971 in Baudette, Minnesota and grew up in Shoreview, Minnesota. He was an active, imaginative, adventurous, outgoing boy who liked sports, games, theater, and people. As a child, he acted at the Chimera Theater in St. Paul and participated in Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, and YMCA day camp. Michael also spent hours riding bikes and playing with Legos, Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, Asteroids, and Risk with his friends. Michael was an avid athlete and played many sports, including football, basketball, softball, soccer, track, cross country running, Nordic skiing, and Alpine skiing. But Michael also enjoyed music and liked singing and dancing. He tried the violin, drums, and flute before deciding he preferred choir to band. Michael was an extrovert and made friends easily and quickly. As a youth, Michael looked forward every summer to attending German Camp at the Concordia Language Villages, and he was excited when his family was able to host Carlos, a student from Guatemala, in their home one year. Michael graduated from Mounds View High School in 1989. He attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, and earned a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from Iowa State University. As a Professional Engineer, Michael worked for Black & Veatch, Xcel Energy, and Zachry Group. Michael loved people and thrived on being part of a team. He really excelled as a people manager and was always looking for ways to help people meet their full potential. Michael had ambition, confidence, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Most recently, Michael was the Co-owner (with his wife, Stephanie) and President of Accelerated Practice Concepts, a consulting business for dental practices. He loved traveling, whether it was renting a car and driving around Europe for a month with close friends, biking solo across the Western United States, or family vacations in Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, Texas, Wyoming, and Canada. Michael appreciated nature by canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, biking all over, sitting in deer stands, walking on beaches, running on trails, hiking in mountains, camping in national and state parks, ziplining through forests, and snorkeling in the ocean. Michael had many, many friends and he delighted in gatherings of extended family and friends including barbecues at home, game nights with friends, reunions at Uncle Larry's & Aunt Judy's cabin, stays at Blue Fin Bay on Lake Superior, and parties at his parents' home, just to name a few. Michael's greatest joy was his family. From the moment he asked Stephanie to dance in Kansas City, Missouri, his life changed. He was a dedicated husband and father, cherishing Stephanie and their children. He was so proud of his two daughters, Elizabeth and Samantha, and his son, Zachary. Being a dad was Michael's most treasured occupation, and he absolutely adored his three kids. He loved wrestling with Zach and reading him stories. He loved watching Elizabeth cheer, perform by singing or playing her guitar, teaching her to get over her fear of skiing, and trying to embarrass her. He loved watching Samantha play soccer, watching her excel at speech, learn about robotics, and listening to her sing. Michael had a quirky, sometimes inappropriate, sense of humor and an infectious laugh which was impossible to resist. He was brave, kind, thoughtful and funny. He was loved by all and he will be deeply missed. Visitation Friday, May 24th 5-8 PM at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL FUNERAL HOME; 515 W. Hwy 96 at Mackubin. Funeral service Saturday, May 25th at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST; 1000 Long Lake Road, New Brighton. Luncheon reception to follow. Interment Cottage Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Tributes

Michael James Peterson

July 31, 1971 - May 19, 2019

Tributes

Michael James Peterson

July 31, 1971 - May 19, 2019

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