Norman Wayne Peterson

Norman Wayne Peterson age 70, of Menahga MN passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Monday January 1, 2024, at Essentia Health in Fargo ND due to complications from atypical pneumonia. Norm was born to Charles and Lois (Hasbargen) Peterson on March 26, 1953, in Park Rapids, MN the oldest of 7 children. Norman grew up on the family farm west of Menahga and attended Bethany Lutheran Church of rural Menahga where he came to know the Lord and was confirmed into his Christian faith, in 2001 Norm joined Calvary Lutheran Church of Park Rapids MN. Norm attended Menahga Public School graduating with the class of 1971, he then went on to attend college at the University of Minnesota Crookston majoring in Agriculture and Horticulture graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree. After college he went on to become a teacher in Goodridge, MN and after a short tenure there he resumed his teaching career at Menahga Public Schools where he taught agriculture and led the FFA students Norm-retired from teaching in 1987 and continued farming the homestead with his father and brother Carl until 2011 when he officially retired his mud boots. Norm also worked in Long Prairie as a USDA inspector at Prairie Packing Co. up until he (semi) retired in 2020. After (semi) retiring Norm took a position driving the school bus for Menahga Public Schools, hauling the kids to and from school and to and from various athletic events was a job he cherished all the way up to his sudden illness, he also worked part time at the Menahga VFW bartending, another job he enjoyed immensely. In his spare time Norm loved to hunt, fish and go camping with his friends, children and grandchildren, you could always find some fishing or hunting show on TV on his 65-inch screen. Norman met and married the love of his life, Terri (Bertrand) Peterson on June 11, 1977. To this union they were blessed with 4 children. Jason, Jodi (Jack) Jackson, Nicole (Derrick) Ellingson all of Menahga and Danny (Jamey) of Sioux Falls, SD. Norm also was a proud grand and great grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Terri, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Norm is also survived by his parents Charles (Pete and Lois), sisters: Karen (Tim) Paurus, and Janet (Brian) Anderson. Brothers: Dale (Judy), Steve (Cindy), Carl (Judy), and Ross (Sheryl). Sister in laws: Renee (Mike) Kaulfuss, Arlene (Ken) Bertrand and brother-in-law Chuck (Eileen) Bertrand along with many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and his beloved dog Eddie who you could find cruising in the front seat of any vehicle dad happened to be driving. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Church. Luncheon will follow at the VFW in Menahga, MN. Inurnment will be at Bethel Cemetery rural Park Rapids a later date.