Harold Sanford Peterson

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Harold "Pete" Peterson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Born to Oscar and Agnes (Hegg) Peterson and raised in Watertown, South Dakota, Harold lived a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and service. At 17, he joined the United States Navy, serving honorably aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during its maiden voyage. He became one of the youngest sailors in the Navy to earn the rank of E5 and often said, "The Navy made a man out of me."

When he returned home, fate led him to the love of his life, Barbara Lovejoy. Their story began at a Dairy Queen window and grew into a 58-year marriage built on faith, laughter, and devotion. Harold often called Barbara "the rock that held our family together." Even after her passing in 2021, he spoke of her daily with deep love and gratitude.

Together, they raised three children, Marty Koistinen, Michelle Milton, and the late Steve Peterson, and built a home filled with love and laughter. Harold was immensely proud of his grandchildren, Jamison, Brendan, Marisa, Alyssa, and Ally, and his great-grandchildren, Cora, Callen, Fitz, Kepler, and Lou. He rarely missed a game or event and was always the first to brag about his family.

Harold built a successful career with IBM before channeling his entrepreneurial spirit into developing two subdivisions in Aurora, South Dakota, a community he later served as Mayor. Known for his integrity and determination, he led with the belief that "if you get kicked down, jump up and keep going." He also served as a firefighter and remained an active supporter of veterans, proudly traveling to Washington, D.C., on the Midwest Honor Flight, a trip that meant the world to him.

Harold's life was filled with craftsmanship, camaraderie, and connection. He designed and built three homes for his family, crafted furniture and puzzles in his workshop, and loved being outdoors whether tending his yard, feeding the birds and squirrels, cheering at a ballgame, or visiting family in Arizona. A lifelong athlete, he played third base for 14 years with the Spies slow pitch softball team, winning four state championships in the 1970s. He cherished those years on the diamond and the friendships that came with them.

Known for his humor, booming laugh, and gift for conversation, Harold never met a stranger. He kept family traditions alive, singing "Happy Birthday" to the women in his family, leading the Norwegian prayer before meals, making lefse at the holidays, and reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 each year. He was the storyteller, the historian, and the heart of every gathering.

Above all, Harold was proud - of his dear wife, his family, his service, and the life he built with his own hands. His story is one of love, loyalty, service, and legacy - a life well lived and deeply felt.

Harold is survived by his daughters Marty (Kevin) Koistinen and Michelle (Randy) Milton; his grandchildren Jamison (Megan) Peterson, Dr. Brendan (Whitney) Koistinen, Marisa (Mitch) Foster, Alyssa Koistinen, and Ally (Michael Brennan) Milton; his great-grandchildren Cora, Callen, Fitz, Kepler, and Lou; his brother Arvid (Kay) Peterson; his sister-in-law Becky (Robin) Bleeker; his brother-in-law Tom Lenards; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara; his son, Steve; his parents, Oscar and Agnes (Hegg) Peterson; his in-laws, Bill and Louise Lovejoy; and his sister, Lucille (Peterson) Lenards, who surely welcomed him home with open arms.

Visitation will be held at 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Rude's Funeral Home in Brookings, South Dakota.

The funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Brookings.

Harold will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, served faithfully, and made every person and place he touched better for having known him. His laughter, his lessons, and his love will live on through his family for generations to come.