Charles Peterson, 100

Charles Gregory Peterson, 100, died Sunday, August 26, 2012.

Charles was born November 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 was united in marriage to 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 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 91, 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. Charlie 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, ND, Mark Peterson and wife Rita, of Lander, WY 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.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 31 at 11 a.m. at West Moe Lutheran Church near Brandon with the Rev. Sarah Evenson and the Rev. Phillip Tobin officiating. Barb Gulbranson and Tiffany Peterson will provide music. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Casket bearers include all of Charlie’s grandchildren.

Visitation is Thursday, August 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at church on Friday.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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