Virgil Lee Peterson

Virgil Lee Peterson, 90, of Anoka, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, surrounded by family. Virgil was born on September 4, 1935, in Marne, Iowa, to Ernest and Lillie Mae Peterson. Growing up alongside a father who often traveled with road construction crews, he learned early the value of hard work, ingenuity, and self-reliance. Whether welding or helping local farmers repair equipment, he developed practical skills that served him throughout his life. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and enjoyed a successful career in Mechanical Engineering, where he continued building on those talents. Among his work history was serving as a Methods Engineer for John Deere in Des Moines and as a Tool Designer for Minneapolis Engineering. He retired from 3M after 38 years of service, contributing in roles ranging from Tool Designer to Senior Manufacturing Engineer. Along the way, he earned a patent for a reloadable x-ray film cartridge, a reflection of the creativity and problem-solving mindset that defined him. Virgil was at his happiest when there was a challenge to solve, something to fix, or a project waiting to be improved. He had a sharp mind, a big heart, and a sometimes quirky sense of humor that could catch you by surprise. He often showed his love not through grand gestures, but through acts of service. If you mentioned a challenge, he was already thinking through possible solutions, and before long you might receive a handwritten note, clipping, or email filled with ideas and helpful information. Family and friends knew they could count on his steady guidance, practical wisdom, and willingness to help. He found great joy in the outdoors, especially on the waters of Crane Lake and later during frequent family camping trips to Clear Lake and Big Eagle Lake. He loved "wetting a line" at his favorite fishing spots and was always hopeful the next cast might bring in a great catch. Whether fishing, traveling the country by motorhome or motorcycle, or tracing family roots through genealogy research, Virgil approached life with curiosity and quiet adventure. Virgil and Marlene were active at the local, state, and region level of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association serving in many volunteer roles including Minnesota District Directors and Region E Couple of the Year. In his later years, he also enjoyed sitting down with a puzzle, patiently fitting pieces together much as he approached the challenges of everyday life. More than anything, Virgil cherished time spent with family and friends. He shared 59 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marlene, and took great pride in the family they built together in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. His kindness extended beyond blood relatives. Over the years, he and Marlene opened their home to numerous exchange students, often forming lasting relationships that grew into lifelong family bonds. Virgil is survived by his wife Marlene; daughters Amy and Candi Nelson (boyfriend Steve); grandchildren Madison Nelson (fiancé Erik) and Adam Nelson (girlfriend Chloe); and bonus family members Marisela, son George (Julia), and their daughter Nabi. He was preceded in death by his infant son; parents, Ernest and Lillie Mae; and sister Mary. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home in Coon Rapids, with a Celebration of Life service to follow. Light lunch and refreshments will be served at Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association. Virgil spent a lifetime fixing things, solving problems, and helping others find their way through life's challenges. While he can no longer repair what is broken, the strength, kindness, and wisdom he shared will continue to guide those who loved him.

Virgil Lee Peterson

September 4, 1935 - August 5, 2026

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