Peter Joseph Lindberg

Peter Joseph Lindberg passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, after 90 years of an inspiring life of public service.

Peter was born September 9, 1935, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to parents Carl and Lenore Lindberg. Peter was raised in St. Louis Park, and attended St. Louis Park High School (1953). The first in his family to graduate from college, Peter attended the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts (1961), and the U of M Law School (1963).

After college, Peter married the love of his life, Donna Mae Schroer. They were married for over 68 wonderful years and raised three children in their St. Louis Park, and later, Edina-Morningside, home.

He began practicing law in 1963, but in a sense, his commitment to public service began in 1961 when he was elected the first President of the St. Louis Park Human Relations Council. He was also active in DFL politics until Governor Wendell Anderson appointed him to the Hennepin County Court in 1974. He served on the court for 26 years, including four years as Chief Judge for Hennepin County, the 4th Judicial District of the State of Minnesota. Upon retirement from the bench Judge Lindberg engaged in mediation and arbitration of litigation, with the Gilbert Mediation Center.

Outside the court, "Judge Lindberg" became "Coach Lindberg," as Peter coached each of his three son's youth hockey teams in Edina. He then became very involved in various hockey associations, serving on the Board of the Edina Hockey Association and then President of Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association. His successful administration of hockey in Minnesota led to his appointment as an Officer of USA Hockey and a Director of USA Hockey Foundation. USA Hockey wasn't about to overlook his exceptional judicial acumen.

After Peter's MAHA presidential term was complete in 1986, he was invited to dive headlong into service as USA Hockey's first Legal Council chair, a role in which he remained until his retirement in June 2014. Peter helped draft every bylaw and governing document used by USA Hockey, and he oversaw every consequential legal matter on behalf of American hockey. He also worked closely with the United States Olympic Committee to ensure compliance with the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, providing important legal protection for athletes. Peter became an Emeritus Director for USA Hockey in 2016.

In addition to his long-term involvement with hockey in Minnesota and the United States, Peter served as one of only 200 arbitrators worldwide for The Court of Arbitration for Sport, the top legal tribunal for resolving disputes between athletes and their sports federations, and determining Olympic or International competition eligibility.

The National Hockey League recognized Peter's many contributions to the development and management of amateur hockey by awarding him the Lester Patrick Award. Awarded annually to players, coaches, and executives for the "outstanding service to hockey in the United States," past recipients include Wayne Gretzky, John Mariucci, Scotty Bowman and Gordie Howe. Of his award, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted, "The global stature of American hockey has been advanced immeasurably by the contributions of Peter Lindberg...." In June, 2014, Minnesota Governor Dayton recognized Peter for his 45 years of service to Minnesota and USA Hockey. Peter and other Lester Patrick awardees are recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Over time, travel became an important part of Peter and Donna's life, ultimately visiting six of the seven continents, with notable trips to Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, China, Kenya, Paris, and parts of Eastern Europe.

Peter is survived by his wife Donna Lindberg and their three children, Mark (Jennifer) Lindberg, Todd (Margie) Lindberg, and Paul (Shelley) Lindberg, and six grandchildren, Chloë (Hight) Louke, Joseph (Natalie) Lindberg, Nathan Lindberg, Ellery Hight, Maren Lindberg, Katherine Lindberg, and one great grandchild, Boden (Joe and Natalie). He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Jack Lindberg and Catherine Lindberg.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 am at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. A light lunch will be served after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Peter's name to the USAHockey Foundation https://www.usahockeyfoundation.com/youthhockey or Little Hospice https://www.littlehospice.org/donate