Les J Peterson

Leslie "Les" Peterson age 93, of Sleepy Eye, MN died on October 16, 2020, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Les was born February 27, 1927, in Goodridge MN, to Elmer and Alma (Hartman) Peterson. He grew up and attended school in Goodridge. He graduated before the rest of his class when he enlisted in the Navy at age 17 in December 1944. In high school, Les took what he called an easy class, typing, which landed him the position of payroll clerk aboard a ship in the South Pacific during WWII. On November 14, 1948, Les married Selina Jane Myra in Fairdale ND. Following their wedding, Les worked in Fargo for a short time and then moved to Fairdale to farm at Selina's family farm. In 1959 they moved to Sleepy Eye to farm the Peterson Homestead that was established in 1866. Throughout his farming career, Les drove semi-truck for several livestock trucking companies and hauled sweet corn for Del Monte for 46 years. Les was active in the community serving on several boards and committees including Eden Township board and the Faith United Methodist Church. He will be remembered for his 76-year membership in the VFW and the many years of local club support. Les was an avid reader of newspapers and books. He especially liked books about the history of WWII. He also enjoyed dancing, playing cards, practical jokes, and driving his Corvette. He was very devoted to his family and attended all of his children's activities even during his busy trucking and farming seasons. Les is survived by his children, David (Jo), of North Mankato, Scott (Linda), of Sleepy Eye, Dean (Karen) of Fargo, and Jane (Tom McKay) of Petal, MS. He is also survived by his grandchildren Clayton, Beth, Jim, Mike, Jenna, Hannah, Gavin, and Garrett and great-grandsons Mason and Lucas. He was preceded in death by his wife Selina in 2002, and young son Mark, in 1962, grandsons Jared and Dan Peterson; his parents; sisters, Marion & Edith and an infant brother. Blessed be his memory. The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers be made to the Faith United Methodist Church, Dyckman Library or the Serviceman's Club. Visitation 1 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 21, 2020 Faith United Methodist Church, Sleepy Eye 321 First Ave. South Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Service Information 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 21, 2020 Faith United Methodist Church, Sleepy Eye 321 First Ave. South Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Interment Information 1:45 pm Wednesday, October 21, 2020 Home Cemetery 700 St. Mary's St. N.E. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085