Miles William Peterson

MILES W. "PETE" PETERSON April 11, 1936 – June 19, 2017   Miles W. Peterson peacefully passed into the full splendor of Heaven on Monday, June 19, 2017 at CHI St. Joseph’s Health with his nieces, Kelley and Julie at his bedside. Miles was born on April 11, 1936 in Moose Lake, MN to William C. and Esther (Fichtner) Peterson.  As a small boy he moved with his family to the Osage area where his parents farmed in Two Inlets Township.  Pete attended the Osage school through the 8th grade and then went on to attend high school in Park Rapids.  On September 3, 1956, Pete entered the United States Navy where he proudly served his country in the Atlantic Ocean aboard a landing ship tanker, a U.S. recovery ship and the U.S. Nitro, an ammunition ship.  Pete served his country throughout the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, Greenland and Cuba.  He was honorably discharged on September 4, 1960.  Pete then returned home to the Park Rapids area.  He ventured to Minneapolis where he worked for Midwest Colorworks making paints and antifreeze. After a couple of years, Pete began working construction with a concrete company.  In 1964, he went to Seattle, WA where he gained employment with the Boeing Aircraft Cooperation as a forklift operator.  In 1971, Pete returned to Park Rapids and began working for Parson's Plumbing service.   He went on to further his education by attending the Northwest Technical College in Detroit Lakes, MN, where he studied small business management and agriculture from 1971 to 1973.  He then began a career with Park Rapids School District #309 where he worked in school bus transportation until his retirement in 1998.  Pete also worked for the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post for 21 years; spending the last 12 years as Bingo Manager.  Pete was active in his community; he was a life time member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 where he served as a member of the military Honor Guard for many deceased servicemen.  He was an active member of the forty et. eight Voyagers #712 of Park Rapids.  He was also a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church and the Park Rapids Antique Tractor Club.  Pete loved the outdoors; especially when he could be hunting.  For a number of years he collected rare coins. He was a huge and loyal Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan.  Above all, Pete enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother:  Loren Peterson of Seattle, WA; 5 nieces:  Dixie (Mark) Salo of Australia; Sheri Dorn of Milton, WA; Jeannie (Jim) Beckworth of Renton, WA; Kelley (Scott) Mayer of Minnetonka, MN; and Julie (Greg) Maanum of Chanhassen, MN; one nephew, Jay Peterson of Dallas, TX; as well as many other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth. Funeral services are set for 11:00 AM Monday, June 26, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Reverend John Johannes of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Ponsford, MN officiating.  Mr. Mark Tretbar will be the organist.  Military honors will be provided by the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 of Park Rapids.  Interment was made in St. Pauls Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the service.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com