Adrian PETERSON

Age 85 of Minneapolis It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Adrian R. Peterson on February 6th, 2023. Adrian got his start working for a trucking company over 50 years ago. A self made entrepreneur It wasn't long after working there that Adrian bought that trucking company, and he became a business owner for the first time. Always ready for a new challenge, when Adrian grew tired of the trucking business he sold the company and bought his first of what would become many Royal Star Furniture stores on 25th and Nicollet in the early 1980's. One of Adrian's close friends introduced Adrian to auctions during this time, and Adrian saw there was an opportunity to expand his store on Nicollet. He taught himself to become an auctioneer, and ran auctions on weekends from his store. As his popularity grew, Adrian out-grew the Nicollet store and was in search of a bigger venue. He then bought what used to be a roller skating rink in Inver Grove Heights and turned it into an auction house. Every Friday and Saturday night, he packed that auction house full, and his customers loved it! It was their social event of the week, and Adrian was their entertainer. Adrian loved to have fun, so this would not be an ordinary boring auction house. He held Booyas, Pig Roasts, pumpkin carving contests, Christmas parties with Santa (Adrian loved children). He brought in musicians for special events, which of coarse led to dancing. He even invited the St. Paul Carnival Royalty for an appearance. Every year Adrian held a 10 cent sale, and hundreds of people would line up around the block to score a great deal. Adrian's motto was "Whatever your mind can conceive and believe you can achieve." Sadly, in 1995, the auction house burned down. It was the end of an era. Adrian then opened Royal Star Furniture on Concord Blvd. in South Saint Paul and continued to offer his customers the best deals in town. Royal Star is not just his legacy it was his passion. An articulate conversationist, at age 85, you would find Adrian at the store 7 days a week meeting new customers and reminiscing with the old. In the times when Adrian wasn't at Royal Star he enjoyed gardening (especially his large cacti), reading, and spending time with his family. Many of you were lucky enough to meet Adrian, and we invite you to join us in a celebration of his life on Sunday, February 26th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Rathskeller. 882 7th St W, St Paul. A true maverick Adrian will be missed by many.