James Michael Peterson

James "Jimmy" Michael Peterson age 73, of Mountain Lake, MN, died on June 28, 2025, at his home.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church-Mountain Lake.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church-Mountain Lake, on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00 am.

The clergy will be Rev. Rick Bremseth. Interment will be at a later date in Dell Rapids Cemetery, South Dakota.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

James “Jimmy” Michael Peterson was born to Dr. Vernon S. and Ruth L. (Pfefferle) Peterson on September 12, 1951, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The family resided in Colman, South Dakota where his dad was a Veterinarian. They remained in Colman until his dad passed away unexpectedly in 1957.  Shortly after, they moved to Dell Rapids to be closer to family.  Jim graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1970.  Afterwards, he attended Augustana College and USD in Vermillion.

On December 27, 1975, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Joy Sward.  In 1977, the couple moved to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.  While there, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Aaron Izaak, on November 25, 1977.  In 1978 they returned to the Dell Rapids area to be close to family.  During that time, the family lived on an acreage with goats, chickens, and his first Irish Setter, Gena.  Jim loved the outdoors and life on the farm!

In 1986, Jim moved to Mountain Lake, Minnesota to work with his brother Vern at the family-owned drugstore, Peterson Drug.  He became a very loved fixture at the store and in the area as he was always so kind and willing to help anyone and everyone!  He was a store manager and was the key to introducing and developing many new services including cell phones and medical equipment for thirty-two years!

Jim gained a daughter when his son Aaron married Dayna Brobjorg on May 6, 2006.  On July 2, 2013, his pride and joy grand-daughter Elly was born!  He loved to attend Elly’s activities, spend time reading and playing with her to the fullest! He always had a “new” picture to share!

Jim was very active in the community serving on the Lake Commission for over two decades.  He was the driving force behind the construction of the Mountain Lake-Lake Trail!  He was selected as “Man of the Year” by the Observer/Advocate for his work and dedication to the Lake Commission.  Jim was also a member of the Lions’ Club, (even calling Bingo just a few short weeks ago!) He was a long-time member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the Board of Youth and as an usher. Jim retired from work in 2018 so he could spend more time with his cherished family and friends.  In retirement he was also able to bring home his beloved Scout, his second Irish Setter.  The two were constant companions and could be seen on their daily walks around town.

Jim also loved spending time with his friends.    He traveled to Steamboat, Colorado every winter to spend time with his group of friends there.   It was a time for laughter, skiing, music, and catching up with each other.  Friends and family were a top priority for Jim, and his wonderful network of friends spans across the US!  You couldn’t ask for a more loyal or committed friend than Jim.  Jim also enjoyed golfing, skiing, water skiing, snow shoeing, fishing, gardening, or anything outdoors.  He was an avid gardener and came out to the farm everyday to tend to a huge garden and enjoyed canning the fruits of his labor in the fall.  It was a highlight for him, Scout, and anyone who joined them! He was passionate about music and was an incredible dancer.

Left to cherish his memory are son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Dayna Peterson; granddaughter, Elly of Howard Lake; brothers, Vernon (Cheryl) Peterson of Mountain Lake, Raymond Peterson of Mankato; nieces and nephews: Teri (Jeff) Townsend of Rapidan, Cheri (Mark) Hanson of Mountain Lake, Dr. Natalie (Robert) Schaller of Tulsa, OK, Dr. Erica (Mitchell) Schroeder of Mountain Lake, Justin (Jessica) Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, John Peterson of Mountain Lake, Virginia (Kirk) Albertson of Pierre, SD; other nieces and nephews, many very special great nephews and nieces; and many lifetime friends that were like family;  and his beloved dog Scout.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, Dr. Vernon and Ruth Peterson; brother, William D Peterson; grandparents, William and Louise Pfefferle, Dr. Elliott and Sena Peterson, and his uncle, Nathan Pfefferle.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made for a Memorial Bench on the Lake Trail or toward Girls Softball in Mountain Lake.