Wendell Peterson

1934 - 2025

Wendell Peterson, 91, of Isanti, MN died November 25, 2025 at his home with family by his side.

Wendell was born April 28, 1934 in Rush City, MN to Alice (Hawkinson) Martin, and was later adopted by Vernon Peterson, Alice's second husband. His family moved to Iowa where he graduated from Essex Community Schools while helping his family on their farm. After graduation, he moved back to Cambridge, MN and attended Gale Institute to become a Train Depot Agent. He worked in this field for 2 years in and near Chippewa Falls, WI for the Chicago NW Railroad. He was then drafted into the US Army, where he proudly served from 1955-1957 as a Radio Telegrapher, learning both Morse and International Code. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he built his own home in Cambridge on the Rum River and began farming 100+ acres, which he loved. He also began working at the Cambridge State Hospital, where he worked for 26-years. During this time, he and his first wife, Dorothy, raised 3 sons, Jerald, Michael, and Dorn. While working at the State Hospital, he also drove school bus for 17 years for Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools, was janitor at the Cambridge Clinic, and sold O's Gold seed corn in his spare time. To call him a jack-of-all-trades, would never do him justice. He also loved being a father, and later grandfather and great-grandfather.

In 1982, he married Laurie and the couple moved to Charlotte Harbor, FL in 1984. They both worked full time and made many lifetime friends. While in Florida, Wendell especially enjoyed water sports and recreation of all types, traveling both domestic and abroad, HAM radio operation, selling real estate, flying in the local Civil Air Patrol, and socializing with friends. Wendell retired from Charlotte County Board of Commissioners in 2001, and after Laurie's retirement in 2015, the couple moved from Florida back to Isanti, MN to be near family.

Wendell was a deeply spiritual man who loved God and enjoyed fellowship at his local church, no matter where he lived. He was baptized in 2004 at Peace River Wesleyan Church in Port Charlotte, FL and sang in the Church Choir for 17 years. He LOVED watching The Chosen TV series, and seeing the Bible come alive. His favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 43:1b.

Wendell is survived and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Laurie of 44 years; sons Jerald (Renee) Peterson, Michael (Pam) Peterson, Dorn Peterson (Missy Opatz); grandchildren Jeremy Peterson (Jessica), Aaron Peterson (Jaylene), Tonia (Derek) Nelson, Traci Jo (Nick) Enger, Ashley (Andy) Jung; and many great-grandchildren; half-sister Pam (Arnie) Nelson; brother-in-law Dennis (Chery) Buckley; nephew Dale (Candye) Bisbee; nieces Norma (Larry) Fast, Catherine Witzke, Sandra Allen; and many cousins, great and great-great nieces and nephews. His "special friends," include his cousins, Kenny Blosberg, David Blosberg, and many others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elaine and half-sister, Lotus.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti with visitation one hour before and followed by a luncheon on location. Online condolences can be placed at StrikeLifeTributes.com.