Howard Peterson

My brilliant husband of 35 years died peacefully Tuesday May 3, 2022, at St Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie, MN, with me and our daughter, Hannah, by his side. Howard lived with Parkinson’s disease for the last 10 years of his life. He battled the disease with the most amazing grace, bravery and strength. He lived everyday with positivity and determination not to let the disease keep him from doing the things he loved.

He was born on February 23, 1943, at Fort Snelling and surprisingly was delivered by a dermatologist. He graduated Robbinsdale High School in 1960. He was known to be adventurous during his teenage years; just ask his cousins Jim, Sandy, Sharon and his good friend Jim. After High School, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served 2 years. Afterwards he was admitted to the University of MN but on a conditional basis (Remember that adventurous teenager!). Once in college he discovered his love of learning and that it came quite easily for him. Throughout his life he received multiple master degrees and two PHDs which led him to his career as a Psychologist at Lakeland Mental Health Center in Alexandria, MN. He was a natural and felt very deeply for his clients and worked with the best coworkers anyone could wish for.

It was his inquisitive nature and quick wit that attracted me to him. People always enjoyed their conversations with him because they were so interesting. He could cover many topics and always kept it light and fun. His most used “look” was raising his eyebrows with a little smile, it was like a punchline without words.

Howard had a wide variety of interests, taking lessons and teaching himself skills ranging from martial arts/nun chucks to English Showjumping in England. Did you know he lived in Ireland for three months to study weaving under a Master Weaver! His biggest passion, however, was music. We have many fond memories of him practicing his guitars (acoustic, electric and bass), accordion, dulcimer, tin whistle and recorder at home. His taste in music was simple-it was everything! He enjoyed Tex Mex, Cajun, Folk, Old Time Gospel, Country, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Rock and Roll, to name just a few.

He is survived by myself, Patty; our daughter, Hannah (Bryan) Ziegler; and our grand-daughters, Nora and Brittney Ziegler. From a previous marriage, he is survived by his son, Todd Peterson; his daughter, Tomi Jo (Tom) Schuessler; grandkids, Michael, David and Caitlin; and great-grandchildren. Though we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in knowing he is happily reunited with our son, Noah, who passed away in 2015.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 10:30 AM with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers we suggest donations to Parkinson’s Foundation Minnesota & Dakotas or to Hospice of Douglas County.