Gerald William Petersen

Funeral services for Gerald W. Petersen, age 91, of Alden will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden.  Rev. Greg Ofsdahl will officiate.  Interment will be at Carlston Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Alden American Legion.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 26th at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com
Gerry died Sunday, August 23, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Community surrounded by his family.
Gerald William Petersen was born June 25, 1924 in Albert Lea, the son of Hans William and Emma (Skov) Petersen.  He grew up in Carlston Township, Freeborn County and attended and graduated from Alden High School.  Gerry served his country enlisting in the U.S. Navy and Army.  On March 11, 1951 he was united in marriage to Doris Darlene Jergenson at Liberty Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa.  Gerry and Dori made their home in Carlston Township where they farmed for many years.  
Gerry continued to farm until his 75th birthday.  Gerry served on the school board and was the treasurer for Carlston Township Cemetery.  He had a love for farming, woodworking, planting trees, learning about history, feeding and watching the birds and squirrels and delivering Winnebago motorhomes.  Most of all Gerry enjoyed time with his family and going to activities for the kids and grandkids.  
Survivors include his children Paulette (Carl) Rasmussen, David (Shari) Petersen and Susan (Dan) Reindal, all of Alden, MN; 7 grandchildren Angela (Jason) Schmidt, Melissa Rasmussen, Jason (Kristin) Petersen, Joshua (Anita) Petersen, William (Angela) Petersen, Heath (Diana) Reindal and Tana (Jason) Christensen; 7 great-grandchildren Noah and MacKenna Schmidt, Ashlyn Petersen, MaKayla Knutson, Lilah and Charlotte Reindal and Oakley Christensen; sisters-in-law Violet Hoeg and Lavonne Jergenson and many nieces and nephews.  
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dori and 2 brothers and sisters-in-law Norman (Wilma) Petersen and Kelsey (Lavonne) Petersen.