Minneapolis, Minnesota
Passed away on May 6, 2012 at age 95 He and his wife, Lois, resided in Burnsville, MN for 41 years. Palmer was born February 18, 1917 to Peter and Aletta (Lee) Peterson and grew up on a farm in Cashton, Wisconsin. Growing up, he enjoyed working on the farm, playing pond hockey, downhill skiing and fishing in the valleys while listening to the birds sing, especially the song sparrow. He graduated from Cashton High School in May 1935 and attended the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse. Following graduation, he taught high school chemistry, physics, and biology in Monticello and Mankato. In 1940, Palmer enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the Jacksonville Florida Naval Hospital to establish the Naval School of Physical Therapy for technicians and Navy trainees. During this period of duty, Palmer was accepted for medical school and was assigned to the University of Marquette Medical School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1952, he completed his Surgical Fellowship at the University of Minnesota and began his general surgical practice in Bloomington, Minnesota. Palmer was affectionately known to his patients and friends as "Dr. Pete", and treated each patient as if they were his only one. He always had plenty of time for his patients and great compassion for them. Palmer retired in 1997 after 50 years of medical practice. Palmer was passionate about the environment, energy conservation and saving wildlife. He greatly enjoyed his natural backyard and feeding and observing the birds and animals. In 2006, he established a 20 acre nature preserve in perpetuity as a tribute to his parents and grandparents. The land was part of their Wisconsin pioneer farm established in 1866. He was very proud of his 100% Norwegian heritage and family genealogy. To honor this legacy, Palmer initiated the call to descendants for a Benrud family memorial. This memorial became a restored pioneer church that now stands at Norskedalen, a Norwegian heritage and nature center, near Coon Valley, Wisconsin. Palmer is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Alette (Lee) Peterson; siblings, Elnora (age 3), Lillian (Paul) Halverson, Mabel (Theodore) Bolles, Milford (Genevieve) Peterson, and Hilmer (Frances) Peterson. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lois (Kuenzel) Peterson of Burnsville, their daughter, Paula (Casey) O'Keefe and granddaughter, Kayla of Burnsville. He is survived by son, Brent Peterson of Naples, FL; daughter, Sheri Peterson of Fort Myers, FL; and Brad (Sandra) Peterson of Murphys, CA; grandchildren, Robert and Karlee Peterson; Sarah (Scott) LeMaster and Hilary (Seth) Hayden; and great-grandchildren, Skylar, Shane and Scottie LeMaster and Sophia Hayden. Sincere thanks to the professional and dedicated staff at Highview Hills in Lakeville, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center, P.O. Box 235, Coon Valley, WI, 54623; the North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, S470 Sunrise Road, Cashton, WI, 54619; or the Mount Olivet Retreat and Nature Center. Funeral service Saturday, May 12, 10:30 AM with visitation 1/2 hour prior at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 50th and Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation also Friday 4-7 PM at the: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th & Hwy 100
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Palmer was a beacon of hope and light to Norskedalen as well as the Benrud Little White Chapel project. I can still recall the day I met Palmer and his lovely wife Lois. Such kind, thoughtful, sincere people. He provided a guiding light to the project as well as a stabilizing presence. I thoroughly enjoyed my interactions and time with Palmer, and Lois, and will miss his sense of true stewardship. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I know the memories of your dad will help you through this time and the years ahead. Take care and God bless.
Tammy Potaracke
May 14, 2012
My prayers and condolences go to Dr. Peterson's family. I have also worked with him at Highview Hills and will always remember specific incite he's told me. I'm glad to have known him and been privileged to talk with such an intelligent man.
May 11, 2012
Paula please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Father was a wonderful man. He will be dearly missed.
Julie French
May 10, 2012
You are in our thoughts and prayers .What a wonderful man. God Bless. Love Mark Karen Tim and Ben Kemp
May 9, 2012
Dear Brad, Sheri and family. We are so saddened to hear about the passing or your father, grandfather. We look forward to a making special memorial visit to the Norskedalen Heritage and Nature and Center soon.
Love, Lorie Bryngelson & Brian Herridge
Lorie Bryngelson
May 9, 2012
Dr. Peterson was made of those qualities that helped make this country a beacon to all who cherishe Liberty, as endowed by our Creator.
It was a great privilege to know him.
Dick Brostrom
May 9, 2012
My prayers are with the entire family as you grieve his passing and enjoy the fond memories of Dr. Pete's full life.
Joyce Peterson
May 9, 2012
My sincere condolences to Dr. Peterson's family. It has been a privilege and honor to be a volunteer with him over the past year. I will always cherish the time we spent together at Highview Hills. I will miss him. Grant
Grant
May 9, 2012
Our Prayers and sincere sympathy are with you in your loss. Dr Peterson leaves a large legacy by his works; but more importantly in that of his wonderful dedicated family. We shall miss him and all of you at Highview Hills. May God Bless You.
Joe & Nadine Sturlaugson
May 8, 2012
I've known Dr. Peterson for 30 years. I admired his continued involvement in the affairs of this world. I'll never forget the day I was driving to work and recognized his voice on MPR. I called him when I arrived at work and we had a lively conversation about the topic. God bless him & God bless his family. Alice K.
May 8, 2012
Paula, Casey and Kayla, Blessings and love to all your family during this hard time.. Your Father had a long and good life and he is with the Lord. Auntie Jan Alexander
Janet Alexander
May 8, 2012
We are saddened to hear of Dr. Peterson's passing. We will always remember him as a wonderful doctor. We speak of him often.
William and Joanne Sellner.
May 8, 2012
So sorry for your loss. I was one of Dr.Palmer's caregivers, it has really made my heart heavy today hearing of his passing. He was such a wonderful man. My prayers our with his family.
Marian Reynolds
May 7, 2012
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