Lloyd Allen Peterson

Lloyd Peterson, age 99, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, as a resident of Orchard Path in Apple Valley, Minnesota. He was born on July 6, 1926, in Evansville, Minnesota, to Jonas Erick Peterson and Gerda Palm Peterson. Lloyd lived a long and full life marked by faith, family, service, and a competitive spirit that never waned. The ninth of ten children born to Swedish immigrant families-his father born in America and his mother in Sweden-Lloyd grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota. While his older siblings spoke only Swedish in their early years, Lloyd was part of the younger generation that transitioned to English. From these humble beginnings, he went on to build a life rich in purpose and adventure. Lloyd's athletic talents earned him a place at Hamline University in St. Paul, where he played football, basketball and baseball. One of the highlights of his college years was traveling with his basketball team to Madison Square Garden in 1946-a memory he cherished throughout his life. He graduated with a degree in education and began a long career as a high school American history teacher and coach. Later in his career, Lloyd transitioned into supervising media and library services. Most of his teaching years were spent in the Bloomington School District. Lloyd married his high school sweetheart, Betty Dilts, in 1948. Their marriage spanned more than seven decades until her passing in 2020 at the age of 92. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and service. They had three children: Sandra Thorpe (Deane), Cheryl Johnson (Brian), and Greg Peterson (Laura). The family grew to include 14 grandchildren and now 22 great-grandchildren. The cabin on Lake Ida outside of Alexandria was built in part by Lloyd himself. Over the years it became a year round home where Lloyd and Betty lived full time for a few years. It was also the family's location for summer fishing, swimming, boat rides, rock picking and bonfires (with mosquitoes!). Fall included lots of beautiful leaves (with raking!). Winter included holidays, snow, popcorn and games with the family. Lloyd brought his competitive spirit to family game nights. Whether it was Rook, Uno, Wizard, Five Straight-or even bingo during his final year of life-Lloyd played to win. He never let anyone else win easily-not even his grandchildren-and took great joy in every victory. He was usually the score keeper, so there were often questions about the outcome! Perhaps two of the most memorable chapters of his professional life came when he and Betty spent a year teaching at a missionary school in Ethiopia and another year teaching English at a church in Japan. These experiences allowed them to travel the world together and broaden their understanding of cultures far from their Minnesota roots. A man of deep Christian faith, Lloyd lived what he believed. He studied the Bible diligently and actively served in many church ministries over the years-as a youth leader, deacon, choir member, and part of a men's quartet. Church was not just a Sunday obligation for Lloyd; it was an essential part of who he was. His commitment to living out his faith made him a kind and faithful servant who touched many lives. Lloyd's love for sports endured throughout his life. He played softball and was in a bowling league in his younger years. He enjoyed officiating football and basketball games at both the high school and college levels. Golf and lawn bowling continued well into his later years. Lloyd was the last surviving member of his large family of ten siblings-a poignant milestone that marks the end of an era for those who knew them all. His passing leaves behind not only cherished memories but also a powerful example of how to live fully-with strength, integrity, humor, curiosity, and unwavering faith. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him most-his children Sandy, Cheryl, and Greg; their families; friends; former students; fellow church members; and all who had the privilege of knowing him. A memorial service celebrating Lloyd's life will be held on Friday, October 10, at 1:00 PM at Berean Baptist Church, Burnsville, MN, with interment following at Washburn-McReavy Dawn Valley Memorial Park in Bloomington. May Lloyd's memory bring comfort to all who mourn him-and may we each carry forward his love for the Lord and something of his enduring spirit. In lieu of flowers, please direct your charitable gifts to www.troutlakecamps.org/giving

Tributes

Lloyd Allen Peterson

July 6, 1926 - September 30, 2025

Tributes

Lloyd Allen Peterson

July 6, 1926 - September 30, 2025

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