John Allan Peterson, age 83, of Hastings, passed away from blood cancer, surrounded by family in his home on September 29, 2021.
He was born on the family farm outside Waseca, MN, on August 20, 1938, to John and Esther (Hedin) Peterson. Allan attended school in New Richland, MN, through his high school graduation. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College and then enlisted in the army, serving for two years.
On October 1, 1960, Allan married Janet Allen at Vista Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN, having known each other since 7th grade. They were blessed with 61 years of marriage and many memories of traveling and time with family and friends.
Over the years, Allan worked at a variety of places using his skills in design, spending most of his career at 3M as a design engineer. He loved spending time in nature capturing the beauty of creation with his camera. Many were blessed by his photography and viewed his pictures in the gallery of his home as well as other venues. Allan loved participating in and watching many sports. Allan also loved his ice cream and was often found smiling with an extra-large scoop of vanilla.
Allan is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jan (Allen); son, Tedd Peterson, daughter Katie (Thomas) Walt, daughter Amy (Hans) Vigesaa; grandchildren, Branwen, Rhianna (Dylan), Andrew, Katrina, Micah, Jonah, Soren, Sophie, Krister, Tait, Finn; great grandchildren, Gracelyn, and one on the way; siblings, Carol (Merle) Houdek, and Eileen (Gary) Classon; Gracie the dog and other granddogs; as well as other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hastings. Internment will be set for a later date at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis. Family and friends are invited to a visitation one hour prior to the service, and to remain afterward for ice cream and bars.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred given to the f