Funeral Services for Donald O. Peterson, of Otisco, MN, were held at 1 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2013 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Otisco, MN. The Reverend Scott Williams officiated. Interment was in St. Peter’s Cemetery, New Richland. Military Honors were accorded by New Richland Veteran’s Organizations. Friends visited with family one hour before the service at the church. Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland is assisting the family.
Donald died on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at the New Richland Care Center. He was 92 years of age. He was born on February 4, 1921, in Otisco, Minnesota, the son of Oscar and Bessie Peterson. Don grew up on a farm outside of Otisco and attended Country School #47. In 1939, he graduated from Waseca High School. He went to California for a short time and then was drafted to serve our country as an airplane mechanic in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He received his honorable discharge in 1946.
Following his years in the service, Don worked at the Otisco Creamery and then for Corchran’s Inc. in Waseca, from which he retired after 29 years. He was always especially proud of the fact that while working at Corchran’s, he had made parts for Christy Hengel’s concertinas.He was united in marriage to Leone T. Hein on September 1, 1962 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Otisco.
Don was an active member of the St. Peter congregation in Otisco, where he held many offices and served in many capacities. He was also a life member of the New Richland American Legion and V.F.W.
Don loved fishing, helping his brother on the farm, and was especially proud of his big garden. He was very proud of his family and loved spending time with them. Don was great at striking up a conversation and was always good for a story or two. He was known to create nicknames for all those he knew and cared about.
Don will be greatly missed by his family, wife Leone of Otisco, daughters: Judy Thompson of New Richland, Pat (Boyd) Lewer of New Richland, Cindy (Allen) Corcoran of Prior Lake, MN, son-in-law Daniel Motzko of Northfield, MN; grandchildren: Stacey (John) Konopa of Lakeville, MN, Rhonda (Dave) Lindquist of Prior Lake, MN, Jill (Chad) Citurs of Albert Lea, Alissa (Michael) Bowman of Ellendale, MN, Justin Lewer of Waseca, Nicholas and Samuel Motzko of Northfield, MN, Jennifer and Jessica Corcoran of Prior Lake, MN; 7 great grandchildren: brother Dorwin Peterson of Waseca, MN; several sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, daughters Connie Byrne and Kimberly Motzko, son-in-law Gary Thompson and 6 brothers.