The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Wilhelm Peterson, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at the Pelican Valley Health Care Center in Pelican Rapids.

Wilhelm Leonard Peterson was born on November 19, 1919 to Sofhus and Alma (Evenson) Peterson. He was baptized in Ringsaker Church in March of 1920, and confirmed there in May of 1934. He attended country school.

Willie entered the U.S. Army in August of 1942. He served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe during the Battle of the Bulge.

Willie received several medals including the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one silver battle star, one service stripe, six overseas service bars and a good conduct medal. He was Private First Class Company C 332nd Engineers.

During his years of service, Wilhelm, and three brothers, James, Harry, and Oscar served in World War II at the same time in different campaigns. He was honorably discharged in September 1945.

He returned home to Pelican Rapids. He worked at Larson Construction.

Willie worked construction for many years around the area, working on projects such as the Pelican Hospital and Pelican School.

He also worked at the Feed Mill. After retiring, he worked as janitor at the Faith Church, a job that he loved the most.

He was a life member of the VFW in Pelican Rapids and member of North Immanuel Lutheran Church.

He loved to play cards and his infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor provided a fun time for many friends and family members.

On June 26, 1974, he married Miranda Sillerud and lovingly inherited her children, including Wayne and Glenna Sillerud of Goodyear, Ariz., Joyce (Bruce) Hain of Glendale, Ariz., Renee and Walton of Pelican Rapids, and grandchildren, Steve Sillerud, Jill (Larry) Renecker, Jesse (Lacey) Sillerud, Roger (Tonya) Hain, Lisa (Brent) Utley, Amber and Andrew Fuchs; great-grandchildren, Erik, Lacey, Lane, Ashton, Landon, Jake, Cody, Sheila, Hendrix.

He has two surviving sisters, Luella Meyer of Fergus Falls, and Donna Johnson of Pelican Rapids.

Wilhelm was preceded in death by his wife Miranda; his parents; five brothers, James, Stanley, Harry, Oscar and Donald Peterson; four sisters, Alice Ruud, Lorraine Swanson, Elna Larson and and Marlys Olson.

Memorial Service: 10 a.m., Saturday, at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids

Clergy: Rev. Curt Tilleraas

Burial: North Immanuel Cemetery, Pelican Rapids

Funeral Home: Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids

Condolences may be sent online at www.larsonfuneralpelicanrapids.com