James David Peterson

James David “Jim” Peterson, 64, of Sisseton, SD, returned peacefully to God and his heavenly family members on Monday, January 1, 2024 after a brief yet acute illness at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD.

The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at St. Anthony Church, Browns Valley, MN with Rev. Kenneth Lulf officiating. Burial of cremated remains will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Browns Valley.

Jim was born to Harlan and Frances “Stub” Thuringer Peterson on September 21, 1959 in Mobridge, SD. Weighing just over 2 pounds at birth and not expected to survive, his stubbornness and work ethic came to him early in life. With care from Stub, Jim survived infancy and grew (and grew) to a towering 6’5”. Jim graduated from Sisseton High School in 1977, and he treasured and maintained many of his school friendships for life.

Following graduation, Jim made his living for more than a decade roaming the countryside in the adventurous and wild pursuit of fur trapping. A skilled outdoorsman, Jim was happiest on the open prairie or in a slough with no one other than his loyal Labrador by his side. Jim joined his brother-in-law’s electrical contracting company in 1990. He proudly earned his electrical journeyman’s license in 2000. Licensed in six states, Jim had a successful career as an industrial electrician across the Midwest. Jim was known for his hard work, skill, and good humor. 

Jim particularly admired his father and, together, they farmed for 30 years north of Browns Valley, raising cattle, corn, and wheat. The pair also had an avid joint interest in researching and collecting fine antique Winchester firearms.

Jim lived an honest, gentle, and free life, as big and open as the plains he so loved.

Jim is survived by sisters Julianne Peterson Bauer of Yankton, SD, and Nancy (Brad Raw) Peterson of Browns Valley, MN; nieces Tessanna Bauer (Matthew) Schmitz of Chancellor, SD and Emmalynn Bauer of Saint Paul, MN; uncles Jim (Rose) Thuringer of Sioux Falls, SD, and Jack (Carole) Thuringer of Sioux Falls, SD; aunts, Joyce (Tom) Meaney of Dubuque, IA, and Peggy Klein of Browns Valley, MN; and many cousins. He is also survived by his Labrador, Angie who now lives happily with Jim’s niece.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Mike and Laura Lenssen Peterson and Valentine and Florence Schlekewy Thuringer; infant brother John; brother-in-law Christopher Bauer; uncles Harvey, Harley, Harold, David, and Walter Peterson, Donald Thuringer and Tom Rauchwarter; aunt Norma Thuringer; and beloved Labradors Buck, Molly, and Penny.