Duane L. Peterson

Duane Lorren Peterson, 88, Albert Lea, Minn., passed away surrounded by his loving family Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Woodlands, St. John’s Lutheran Community, where he’d been a resident for six weeks. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, at Silver Lake Lutheran Church, rural Northwood. Rev. Randy Baldwin will officiate. Burial will be in Silver Lake Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. today (Wednesday) and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
Duane was born at home in Freeborn County, Jan. 9, 1932 to parents Daniel and Luella Peterson. He was baptized at Silver Lake Lutheran Church, Feb. 14, 1932 and confirmed at Bristol Lutheran Church, June 2, 1946.
On Sept. 7, 1951 he was united in marriage with Betty Halvorson at Sion Lutheran Church.
Duane served his country from 1952-1954. He served overseas in the Korean War. He was proud to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. for veterans in 2010. He was a member of the Silver Lake Lutheran Church, the Emmons American Legion Post 317, celebrating 63 years of membership serving as Post commander from 1984-1986, The Eagles for 60 years, and the Albert Lea Senior Citizens. He was a lifetime member of the Albert Lea VFW.
Duane worked at Wilson’s/Farmstead for 30 years, along with farming. Duane and Betty enjoyed spending their winters in Texas for 20+ years and also enjoyed trips to Alaska, Hawaii and a Carribean Cruise.
Duane enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, snowmobiling, playing bingo, camping, casio trips and tractor rides. Most of all he loved to spend time with family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Betty; his children: Danny, Terry (Audrey) and Debbie (Bruce) Madsen; grandchildren: Amy (Jay) Wadding, Brett (Kristen) Peterson, Ryan (Lindsey) Madsen, Charlie (Christie) Peterson; great-grandchildren: Kayla and Abby Wadding, Mara, Joseph and Eddie Peterson, Ryker and Ayda Madsen, Charlotte and Claire Peterson; sister, Kitty Sandsmark; brother, Gene (JoAnn) Peterson; sisters-in-law: Phyllis Jacobs and Molly Bachtle; brothers-in-law: Ron (Esther) Halvorson and Roger (Arlyce) Halvorson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beverly Thrond; and brothers-in-law: John Jacobs, Gary Bachtle, and Marlin Sandsmark.