Dean Roger Peterson

Dean Peterson, 88 of Alexandria, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Little Falls Care Center in Little Falls, MN. A public visitation for Dean will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM with a prayer service starting at 11:30. Burial will be at Lake Ida Cemetery following a funeral luncheon. 

Dean Roger Peterson was born to William “Willie” and Alice (Anderson) Peterson in Alexandria, MN on January 30, 1937. He grew up on the family farm on Lake Jessie east of Alexandria with his sibling's: brother, Glen “Butch” Peterson, and sister, Shirley “Babe” Peterson. Dean and his siblings were raised on the Scandinavian (Norwegian) beliefs and ways of life and had many fond memories and stories to tell of growing up on the farm.

Dean attended public school within the Alexandria school system, where he and his good friend were always mischievous frequently playing pranks on others. After graduating, Dean attended the University of Minnesota to study chemistry and was a member of the fraternity Zeta Si. While in college, Dean worked as auto body repairman to help pay his way through school. As his family began to grow, Dean was unable to continue with college. He and his former wife welcomed three children: son, William “Bill”; daughter, Susan; and daughter, Linda. Dean raised his family on a hobby farm just a mile from his parents' farm. He worked many different jobs during his life starting as an auto mechanic; but also including: gas station / auto repair manager, auto sales, auto body repair (Dean was well known for his painting skills), auto restoration of old cars, gunsmith, and for many years a plumber, where he became especially skilled at installing heating boilers.

Dean loved dogs, always willing to take one in to care for. Throughout the years, he had many different dogs and he named every one he had "Sven,” because he just liked that name, I guess. He loved being out in the woods, deer and elk hunting. Dean and his brother Butch learned a lot of their hunting and in the wood's skills from their dad, Willie, and uncle Thaulo. They would go far up north and venture deep into the northern wilderness to sharpen their skills. Later in life, Dean and brother Butch continued to hunt up north with their good friend, Jim Johnson, and others. From these experiences came many, many hilarious stories. Dean later continued hunting up north with his son, Bill, and grandson, Shaun, to pass on the skills he had learned.

One hobby that stuck with Dean from an early age and continued through his life was stock car racing. He had started at the age of 15 years with his good friend, George Fairfield, and the car #32. From there, he started racing with his brother Butch and good friend Jim Johnson with the #32 Oleagleye. Together, they and raced in Wee Town, a race track near Fergus Falls. They later organized racing in the winter on the ice of Lake Jessie, which was very successful. From this success, the group (along with several other friends made from ice racing) decided to start the Viking Speedways. Dean was inducted into the Viking Speedway Hall of Fame in 2002, and was very proud of it. He has shared his love of racing with his generations, getting many involved in the sport. Son Bill, grandson Shaun, and great-grandson Graysen now starting in the winged go-karts.

Dean also loved to build and put on fireworks displays; he did this for many years in the surrounding area. Dean was most noted for each Saturday night to begin the races by sending up an arial salute startling everyone, this could be heard throughout the lakes area (BOOM) and the announcer would ask everyone to rise for The National Anthem. After the anthem, Dean would have to get in one more arial salute just for good measure. Dean loved old cars (Model A's & Model T's) he collected many parts for them and knew each and every part. He would always quiz his son Bill on each part whenever he came over for a visit. Dean also enjoyed collecting guns and old swords. He will be missed for his story telling and teachings.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, William “Willie” and Alice Peterson; brother, Glen “Butch” Peterson; sister, Shirley “Babe” Munkberg; son-in-law, Steve Anderson; grandsons: Robert Gylsen and Jason Gylsen; as well as many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his son, William “Bill” (Georgia) Peterson; daughters: Susan Anderson and Linda Peterson; grandson, Shaun Peterson; granddaughter, Tristin (Josh) Andreasen; grandson, Cole Peterson; great-grandsons, Graysen and Brecken Andreasen, Robb and Jayden Gylsen; great-granddaughters, Hadley Peterson, Darrian (Kevin) Hahn; great-great-granddaughter, Andie Hahn; as well as numerous beloved nephews, nieces, and good friends. 

The family of Dean would like to thank: The nurses and staff at Centra Care Hospital in St. Cloud, Little Falls Care Center, and Moments Hospice nurses and staff.

A Special Thanks to everyone that has attended and sent their thoughts and prayers.