David Lee Petersen

1953 - 2025

David Lee Petersen

January 21, 1953 - August 14, 2025

David "Lee" Petersen, 72, of Roseville, Minn., passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Lee lived a life focused on family, friendship and faith. He was born on January 21, 1953, in Reedsburg, Wisc., to Bernard and Thelma (Acree) Petersen and grew up on his family farm between Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells. There he met his wife, Linda (Harmel) Petersen, whom he married in 1973. Together, Lee and Linda built a loving home for their daughters, Victoria and Kristie, a home whose warmth and love now surrounds two grandsons, Anders and Freddie, who filled his heart with pride and joy.

Lee went on to earn three degrees, including a B.S. in Mining Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in GeoEngineering from the University of Minnesota. He had a rewarding and accomplished career, starting with Agapito & Associates (Colorado) and culminating as a Principal Engineer at Itasca Consulting Group (Minnesota). His many achievements include his work on the Silver Creek Cliff and Lafayette Bluff tunnels on Minnesota's North Shore, the Underground Law Library at the University of Minnesota and the LRT tunnel beneath the MSP airport.

Lee's faith was steadfast and deeply woven into his life. For over 40 years, he was an active member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in St. Paul, where he held various roles on the church council. He humbly shared his faith with others, participating in mission trips to Peru and Haiti, and co-founding Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, now in its tenth year of helping children grow in their knowledge of their Savior.

He found pleasure in hands-on hobbies like cycling, photography, woodworking and studying rocks, as well as leisurely pursuits such as reading, fishing, listening to Outlaw Country radio, and traveling with Linda, always approaching each with curiosity and a love of learning.

He'll be remembered for the wisdom, humor and generosity that shaped his life and the lives of those around him. Meticulous in his approach and inspiring in his insight, he encouraged and guided others with patience and thoughtful consideration. Though his humor was dry, it came alive with friends and family, and he had a remarkable ability to become an instant mentor, guide, and friend. Above all, he will be remembered for his compassion, empathy and genuine care for others.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Petersen; daughters, Victoria Petersen and Kristie (Dave) Schafer; grandsons, Anders Utrie and Freddie Schafer; brother, Wayne (Pam) Petersen; a large and loving extended family of nieces and nephews including, Matt Dale, Mike (Chandra) Dale, Jennifer (Steve) Geiselhart, Chris (Sarah) Dale, Tayler (Caleb) Nicholson, Kory (Tish) Petersen, and their families; as well as dear friends, including Pam and Darryl Folkens, and Pastor Terry and Mary Schultz.

A funeral service will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1460 Almond Avenue, St. Paul, Minn., on Friday, September 5th at 11 a.m. The family invites all to continue celebrating Lee's life at Urban Growler anytime between 12:30 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti.

Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."