Peter Nathan Hemstad

Peter (Pete) Nathan Hemstad, age 86, of International Falls, passed away on May 30, 2024.
Pete was born on January 19, 1938 in Montevideo, Minnesota. He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1956 and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and his law degree from the University of Nebraska.
He was married to Greta (Borgen) Hemstad, his high school sweetheart, for almost 60 years. Pete and Greta moved to International Falls in 1964 where he practiced law, became city attorney and served as a district judge for over 20 years. In 1999 Pete and Greta built their retirement home on Rainy Lake and spent their winters in Lake Havasu among great friends.
Pete loved gardening, cooking, playing cards, socializing, and spending time at the hunting shack and lake with family and friends. Above all else, Pete loved to tell a story. Many, who knew him well, will greatly miss sitting down to a meal with Pete and being regaled by his entertaining and, often, downright astonishing stories.
Pete also enjoyed writing poetry and sharing it with family and friends. A fitting piece from his extensive collection:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NIGHT SONGS (Dreams) by Pete Hemstad
Somewhere west past an indefinite horizon
a disappearing sun gathered twilight's colors
and melted into night.
Deepening blackness soaked up left over
and little remembered shadows.
Wind and grass hushed the world as night covered
a work stained sun. Sleep descended upon the living.
Darkness roamed earth and sleeping minds broken only
by countless stars and mostly forgotten dreams which
vanish in the light.
For now sleep, dream your dreams and wander to the stars.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rest in peace, our dear Pete.
Pete is survived by his son, Chris (Amber) Hemstad and grandchildren Trygg, Isabelle, Eve, and Ila of International Falls, MN; son, Nat Hemstad (Dana Wagner) and grandchildren Alice and Miles Wagner-Hemstad of St. Paul, MN.
A celebration of life for Pete and Greta will be held at the Ranier Town Hall on Sunday, July 21st, from 1:00-3:00 pm.
In lieu of gifts or flowers please consider a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.