Eldridge 'Al' Peterson

Eldridge "Al" Peterson age 88, of Madelia, MN, died on November 13, 2021, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson, MN. Service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church-Madelia, on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:30 am. Visitation will take place at the church 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The clergy will be Calvin Hanson. Interment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Madelia, MN. Eldridge Lionell "Al" Peterson was born August 31, 1933 at a farm house at Union Grove Township in Paynesville, MN, to Emma (Wildie) and Carl Peterson. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1952. Al met Ruth Mulenberg in Marshall, MN. After a short engagement, they were married at Woodlake Methodist Church on Jan. 22, 1955. Their first home was in Jasper, Indiana, but after many moves they finally settled in Madelia in 1959 where they raised their two children, Brenda and Terry. Al worked as a USDA Inspector for 37 years with most of those years spent at Tony Downs. He retired in 1989. Early in his adult years Al enjoyed golf, bowling, snowmobiling and staying busy. Al loved his church, Trinity Lutheran in Madelia. He served on many call committees, held offices and made wooden crosses for the sanctuary and the confirmands. Fishing was a favorite past time for Al. He loved fishing no matter the season. He was protective of the lakes and was involved with Aquatic Invasive Species groups that monitored them. He and Ruth called their cabin home for 3 months out of the year, truly enjoying time spent near the water and with nature and of course each other. The love of the lake has been carried down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He left a legacy for his family to enjoy. Many cherished memories were made at the lake and many more to come. Summer mornings were for Northwinds Cafe in Nevis MN; breakfast buddies and deep conversation about world issues; but Wednesday nights you could find Al at the casino for Black Jack tournaments. Fall brought Al back to Madelia and the Bowling alley for breakfast. He enjoyed the wonderful group there and the companionship. Al is survived by his daughter, Brenda Ruch of New Ulm; son Terry Peterson of Madelia; grandchildren, Nick (Nikki) Ruch, Tony (Kayla) Ruch, Paul (Korynn) Ruch, Kendall (Kate Schmit) Peterson; great-grandchildren, Lane, Boyd, Harper, Vera, Damian, Luella and Roslyn Ruch; sisters, Jeri Peterson and Bette Kochanski; brother, Gary (Alice) Peterson, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth; his parents; siblings; son-in-law, Rich Ruch and a special lady, Nancy Frederickson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Madelia. Visitation 1 10:00 am - 11:30 am Saturday, November 20, 2021 Trinity Lutheran Church-Madelia 406 W. Main St. Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Service Information 11:30 am Saturday, November 20, 2021 Trinity Lutheran Church-Madelia 406 W. Main St. Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Madelia West, Co. Hwy 3 Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062