Elzo Peterson

Elzo Peterson, age 95, passed away December 25, 2024. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11 AM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will be at Clarks Grove Baptist Cemetery.

Elzo Victor Peterson was born in Albert Lea on November 22, 1929, to Roy and Winnie (Hoeve) Peterson. He lived in Freeborn County for his entire life and graduated from Albert Lea High School. After his schooling, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. He returned from his military service in 1952, and in 1953 he was united in marriage to Joy Cassel. From this union, 4 children were born. Elzo worked for a few years repairing neon signs before going to work at Streaters, retiring in November of 1991.

Elzo’s church was very important to him. He was involved in the First Baptist Church of Clarks Grove where he served as a trustee, on the finance committee and taught Sunday School and WEE School. He also volunteered at the American Baptist Assembly in Green Lake, WI for two summers. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling and camping with his family. After his retirement he began woodworking and made many wooden toys. Elzo’s greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Elzo is survived by his children, John (Debra) Peterson, Jerry (Mary) Peterson, Linda (Dirk) Jungquist; daughter-in-law, Lori Peterson; grandchildren, Jason (Shannon) Peterson, Jill (Ryan) Hanson, Laura (Rob) Lynett, Scott Peterson (Hailey Burkhart), Katie (Andy) Koehn, Beth Jungquist (Matt Skelton); great-grandchildren, Trent Hanson, Noah Peterson, Audrey Peterson, Tricia Hanson, Lainey Lynett, Jax Peterson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife Joy; son, Paul; one brother and one sister.