Ralph Peterson, 77, died Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, at the Ranier Roost, Ranier, Minn., after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 25, 1936, in Roseau, Minn., to Peter and Susan (Amundson) Peterson.
He moved to Big Falls, Minn., in the 10th grade where he met the love of his life hanging upside down from a tree. He was 15 years old, she was 13.
He graduated from Littlefork-Big Falls High School in 1954 and served his country in the United States Army for 2 1/2 years, stationed in Germany.
He married Pat Wilkowski on July 12, 1958. Their wedding reception made the AP News headlines as the ceiling of the Big Falls Community Building collapsed on the guests, presents and cake!
Like all young married couples, they started their lives together at the Brownstone Apartments before buying a house in South International Falls, where they raised their five children.
He worked in Boise Insulite for 27 years, Bildrite for seven years and retired from St. Thomas Parish as custodian after seven years.
He was a sweet man with a big heart, giving of his time and energy, even if he didn’t have either.
He was a great volunteer, helping out at the Food Shelf every Thursday, the Elks Thanksgiving Community Dinner, Meals-on-Wheels, and babysitting his grandchildren — just to name a few.
He was known for his love of rummage sales, sharing his good “deals” with his children and grandchildren, playing cards, blueberry picking, taking naps, babysitting his many grandchildren and his coffee visits with numerous friends.
His favorite pets were the many chipmunks and squirrels visiting his bird feeders daily. His “pets” would actually sit on his shoulder and take peanuts out of his pocket!
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, in 2009; parents; brothers, Larry, Rod, Cliff and Wally; and sisters, Betty and Ruby.
He is survived by his sons, Brian (Teresa Stearns), David (Roberta), Greg and Jeff (Terri); his daughter, Cheryl (Bret Mann); 14 grandchildren — Nikki Rolando, Amanda Francis, Samantha, Michael, Matt, Jake, Josh, Janea and Ryan Peterson; Holly, Jimmy, Katrina; Erin and Lindsey Anderson; great-grandchildren — Mahkaela, Easton, Frankie and Dominic; sister, Deloris Novotny; sister-in-law, Roberta (Cletus) Anderson; brother-in-law, Ed (Joyce) Wilkowski; several nieces and nephews; many, many good friends, and his best friend and coffee drinking buddy, Charlie (Marie) Baldwin. He is also survived by Pamm Spry, Mary Peterson, Tim Anderson and Teresa Peterson.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at St Thomas Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow.
Memorials would be preferred to the International Falls Food Shelf, the Ranier Roost or a charity of your choice.
Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Big Falls.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls, is in charge of arrangements.
