Roger Peterson

Roger Harlan Peterson was born in Willmar, MN, on November 21, 1943, the son of Harlan W. Peterson and Erna (Manson) Peterson.

Roger spent his early years living on the family farm East of Spicer. In 1956, the family moved to Green Lake, where his parents owned and operated Peterson’s Northwood Beach Resort and he first learned the love of fishing. Roger attended school in New London and was baptized, confirmed, and attended Harrison Community Presbyterian Church.

Roger enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 17 and served from 1961 to 1964. He was temporarily stationed in Greenland and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later, he was deployed to Cambodia on assignment to build an air strip. He was honorably discharged in 1964, received the airman of the year award, earning the rank of E-4 Sergeant.

After the military, he attended Chef Training School in Faribault, MN. He worked in Minneapolis at Sweden House where he met Marguerite, the love of his life.

On November 6, 1965, Roger married Marguerite Heglund at First Baptist Church in Willmar, MN. They raised four sons Joel, Jeffery, Jason, and Jerrod. In the early years, Roger and Marguerite resided on Eagle Lake outside of Willmar, MN. In 1974, they relocated to Alexandria, MN continuing in the restaurant business eventually opening Roger’s Steakout. In 1992 they moved to Aberdeen, SD, where they owned and operated Steak & Buffet. In 2011, they returned to Alexandria and retired from the food service business.

Roger and Marguerite were members of First Baptist Church in Alexandria and First Baptist Church in Aberdeen. Roger also served on the church school board for the First Baptist Christian School. He was a member of the Sheriff Posse in Douglas and Kandiyohi Counties in MN.

Roger is remembered for his skill in the restaurant business, his passion for creating and perfecting recipes, and cooking for everyone, especially his family. Many times, he and Marguerite packed up their boys and drove hundreds of miles, just to try a new restaurant. Roger loved the outdoors and taking drives in the country. He cherished his fishing and hunting trips with his sons and friends hunting for pheasants, deer, elk, and antelope. He enjoyed watching football, especially the Minnesota Vikings. For both Roger and Marguerite, their boys and families were their life. Roger often asked, “Ma, did you talk to the boys today?” Roger and Marguerite were married for 50 years. His marriage to Marguerite and their life together were his most cherished memories. Roger’s bride passed away on March 12, 2016.

Roger Peterson, 76, Alexandria, MN, was surrounded by his four sons when he passed away at Knute Nelson Care Center on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

Roger is survived by his four sons: Joel (Julie) Peterson, Pierre, SD, Jeffery (Joni) Peterson, Fargo, ND, Jason (Stacy) Peterson, Alexandria, MN, and Jerrod (Leauna) Peterson, Redfield, SD; brother, James (Sharon) Peterson, Iona, MN; sister, Carol Keen, Black River Falls, WI; brother-in-law, Michael (Emily) Heglund, Willmar, MN; sister-in-law, Robin (Philip) Bergstrom, Willmar, MN; and sister-in-law Lori Heglund, Ankeny, IA. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren: Cody, Carly (Jace), Cole, Shaunda (Adam), Samantha (Derek), Allisha, Michael, Nicholas, Madeline, Jack, Derrick, Christian, Carson, Jordan (Alyssa), and Savanna; and twelve great grandchildren: Bentley, Hunter, Gavin, Schancler, Noa, Gideon, Allianna, William, Quincey, Peyton, Eloise, and Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. All his grandchildren will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite; parents, Harlan and Erna Peterson; father and mother in-law, Willard and Fern Heglund; brothers-in-law, Roger Heglund and Tom Keen; and sister-in-law, Donna Peterson.

A private funeral service with full military honors was held at Alexandria Covenant Church, 4005 Dakota St, Alexandria, MN on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Interment at Oakside Cemetery, Harrison Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota following the service.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited.  Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Knute Nelson Foundation.