The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Charles Peterson, died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012.

He was born Nov. 10, 1911, in Kinney, the son of Olaf and Anna (Haabala) Peterson. In 1912, Charles’ family moved to Moe Township in Douglas County where Olaf purchased a farm. Charlie(as he preferred to be called) was schooled in Holmes City and began working on his father’s farm.

On July 31, 1938, Charlie married Sadie Pipo. The couple purchased a farm next to Charlie’s parents. They lived with Olaf and Anna until they could upgrade the home on their farm and move in to it. They sold that farm in the fall of 1947.

After the sale of the farm they spent time in Alexandria and California where Charlie worked in a sawmill.

In 1949, Charlie purchased a farm in northern Moe Township and owned that farm for the next 60 years.

In 1972, Charlie retired from milking cows and sold his herd. He continued to farm as long as he was able. For the last several years he rented out the land but remained on the farmstead.

In 2008, Charlie sold the farm and moved into the Evansville Assisted Living.

Charlie received most of his education on the farm. He taught himself mechanics, carpentry, woodworking in addition to the knowledge gained from running a dairy farm and working the fields.

Charlie enjoyed working hard with his hands. He helped neighbors out by offering his carpentry and mechanic skills, built furniture for his family and a dollhouse for each of his granddaughters.

Sadie was an artist and Charlie built frames for many of her paintings.

Charlie also enjoyed the outdoors. He liked to hunt deer, antelope, geese and ducks; at age ninety-one Charles was still a successful antelope hunter.

He also enjoyed fishing in summer and winter with his family. At age 96, he still was cutting wood. He knew that hard work was good for the soul.

Volunteering was also important to Charlie. He served his church on the council, as treasurer and on the cemetery board. He also lent his hand and skills whenever the church or parsonage needed repairs. He volunteered for the community chest and was always willing to help his neighbors out in any way he could.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Peterson; two brothers, Arthur and John Peterson; and two sisters, Inez Woody and Sigrid Schumacher. Charles is survived by his three sons, Allan Peterson and wife, Judy, of Horace, N.D., Mark Peterson and wife Rita, of Lander, Wyo., and Jerry Peterson and wife, Mary, of Fergus Falls; eight, grandchildren, Lisa McGarvey, Neil Peterson, Kurt Peterson, Eric Peterson, Craig Peterson, Joshua Peterson, Jacob Peterson and Annikki Peterson; and four great-grandchildren, Heidi Peterson, Trygg Peterson, Evan McGarvey and Owen Peterson.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at church

Service: 11 a.m. today, at West Moe Lutheran Church, Brandon

Clergy: Sarah Evenson and Rev. Phillip Tobin

Burial: Church cemetery.

Funeral Home: Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria

Condolences may be sent online at www.andersonfuneral.net