Brian "Bird" Peterson

Brian Frederic "Bird" Peterson, age 52, of Oklee, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Vibra Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 5, 1973, in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, Brian was the cherished son of Ronald Leon Peterson and Jeanette Rae (Berberich) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN, and raised in the Oklee area, graduating with the Oklee High School Class of 1991. He pursued college studies in Mayville, ND and Ely, MN.

Brian's early work included jobs at the Third Base in Brooks and Berry Apiaries. After college, he worked for Ray and Barb Swenson at their seed farm and later at the Oklee Elevator. On September 29, 1996, Brian's life changed dramatically following a motor vehicle accident. He spent six weeks in a coma and nearly a year in rehabilitation, facing the challenge with resilience and grace.

On August 15, 1998, Brian married the love of his life, Alette "Letty" Sistad, at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN. Together, they built a life in Oklee, where Brian was a devoted husband and father to their children, Alex and Marin.

Brian was known for his infectious smile, quick wit, and ability to find humor in any situation-especially when laughing at himself. He was a natural conversationalist, always ready to chat and share a story. His strong work ethic was matched only by his good-natured honesty, often joking that "I'll remember" was his biggest lie.

Family was everything to Brian. He treasured time spent with Alex and Marin, whether attending school events, driving Marin to dance classes in Thief River Falls and Grand Forks, or enjoying the outdoors through fishing, camping, and kayaking. Most recently, he found immense joy in being "Papa" to his grandson, Jaxon.

A member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee, Brian gave back to his community by delivering Meals-on-Wheels. Despite mobility challenges, he never let anything hold him back from family adventures-including a 20th anniversary trip to Las Vegas with Letty and a cherished family vacation to Florida.

Brian will be remembered for his stubborn determination, unwavering positivity, deep love for his family and community, and his acceptance of life's journey with grace and humor.

He always wanted to help people and his final gift was through organ donation.

Brian is survived by his wife, Letty; his children, Alex (Marikia) Peterson and Marin (Josh Bruemmer) Peterson; grandson, Jaxon; siblings, Doug (Janeen) Peterson, Jamie (Wendy) Peterson, Michael Peterson, Tracy Finseth, and Troy Peterson; mother & father-in-law, Jerry and Cheryl Sistad; brother & sister-in-law, Mark and Terri Buratczuk; nieces & nephews, Derek (fiancée, Sydnie Gunderson) Peterson, Leah Peterson, Luke Peterson, Michelle Sundquist, Erin Sundquist, MaKayla Peterson, Natalie Buratczuk, Jack Buratczuk; special aunt (girlfriend), Anita Capp; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Lauren Peterson; brother-in-law, Randy Finseth.

Brian's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with service to celebrate Brian's life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee, MN with Reverend Kristin Ostercamp officiating. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow in the church dining area.