Dwayne John Peterson

Dwayne John Peterson, from the Rush Lake area, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the age of 81.

He was born on December 5, 1942 to John "Frank" and Esther (Brissett) Peterson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up on the North Side of Minneapolis, Dwayne graduated from North High School in 1960. Being a part of the North High stage crew for performances was a highlight of his high school career.

During the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s, he played in a variety of rock bands. He played both piano and guitar, and is best known for his harmonic baritone singing voice, and his ability to project his voice even without requiring a microphone.

Dwayne followed that up in the 90’s with a family variety band. He recently had dedicated his musical gifts to playing in both Minnesota and Arizona with musicians playing at jams, around the campfire with family and friends, and volunteering at local senior buildings in both states.

After 37 years of employment at Honeywell, Dwayne was able to retire at 55 years old, and has thus, enjoyed an active retirement for the past 26 years. His adventures have included fishing in Canada, and travelling throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

His love of fishing was a constant throughout his life. He grew up fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish with his parents, sister, extended family and friends, and later Kathy and their 3 children. He then became an expert fisherman known as one of the “Boot Bay Busters” fishing Lac des Mille Lacs in Ontario, Canada; fishing on couples’ trips, family trips, and teaching the love of fishing to his grandchildren. Many long boat rides, with the wind in his hair, were taken to prime fishing locations in Boot Bay on the west side of the lake.

Dwayne married Kathleen (Anderson) February 13, 1965, and they were married almost 45 years until her death on January 12, 2010. They made their home in North Minneapolis, and upon retirement, moved to the Rush Lake area, where they spent many summers at their lake property with the family. They were blessed with three children: David, John, and Theresa. Dwayne was dedicated to being a leader both in his family life and in the community. Group adventure trips to the Boundary Waters included trips with both family, and Victory Lutheran Church youth groups. He became known as “Papa Smurf” during those trips, due to the blue stocking cap he wore in order to keep the biting flies off his jet black hair.

For the past 14 years, he has had the loving companionship of Jackie Diamond at his side. They have enjoyed music jam sessions, camping with friends in the Scamp camper, and traveling. He always had his guitar with him and could be found playing in as many as 6 music events a week.

At the cornerstone of Dwayne’s life was his Faith. He truly understood the importance of relationships with others, and always tried to cultivate a sense of love with those he came in contact with. He loved to share stories of his faith journey, and to support others in their times of need.

Dwayne is survived by his significant other Jackie Diamond of Cambridge; children David (Pam) Peterson of Burnsville, John (Stacie) Peterson of North Branch, Theresa (Darrin) Curliss of Oak Grove; grandchildren Laura (Evan) Blomgren, Kevin Peterson (Jamie Ales), Andrew Peterson, Cynthia Peterson, Thomas (Lauren) Fleming, Matthew Fleming, and Sarah Fleming. Dwayne was also the proud great-grandfather of Anthony Millett, Laila Peterson, Barrett Fleming, and Georgia Fleming. Also surviving are sister Darlene (Wayne) Miller of Elk River; and many loved cousins and friends.

Dwayne will be deeply missed and loved forever.

Funeral services for Dwayne: 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 with a time for family and friends to gather one hour prior to the service, all at Fish Lake Lutheran Church in Harris.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com