Thomas Ryan Peterson, 72

Thomas Ryan Peterson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great - grandfather passed away peacefully in his home on January 20, 2024, at the age of 72.

He was born on August 11, 1951, in Grafton, ND, the son of Carl “Ike” and Lucille (Eng) Peterson. Tom, as he was affectionately known, grew up in Badger, MN, graduating from Badger High School in 1969. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. Tom proudly served during the Vietnam War, dedicating over two years of his life to the Army. After the service, Tom was a proud member of Spicer American Legion Post #545.

Upon returning home, Tom married Lindi Hagen, on August 19, 1972, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Badger, MN. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three wonderful children, Shawn, Mandy, and Kristin.

Tom’s interest for telecommunications led him to pursue an Associate’s Degree from Wadena Technical College in 1974. He embarked on a successful career as a telephone installation and repairman, starting in Hector, MN, before relocating to Kandiyohi, MN. For 34 years, Tom dedicated his expertise to Frontier Communications, ensuring communication was seamless for countless individuals. Tom was also a proud member of the Kandiyohi Fire Department for 15 years. After retiring from Frontier, he continued to serve the community, working with the Atwater school district.

Outside of work, Tom was an avid outdoorsman and advocate of nature conservation. He found solace in hunting, fishing, bird watching, and camping, always seeking the beauty of nature. For 48 years, Tom loved spending time at the family cabin on Moon Lake, where he could relax and enjoy the company of his friends, family, and especially his grand kids. Known for his witty sense of humor, Tom loved enjoying time with family and friends gathered around the campfire, sharing jokes that would leave everyone in stitches. Tom would often jokingly talk about moving to Hackensack, despite him never having been there. Tom also enjoyed watching the SCSU Huskies Hockey team, especially when they played UND Fighting Hawks engaging in some friendly banter with his North Dakota cousins.

He cherished his time spent with family and friends, whether it was sipping coffee and swapping stories at the local Atwater and Kandiyohi cafes or creating lasting memories during family gatherings.

Thomas Ryan Peterson will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 51 years, Lindi Peterson; his children, Shawn (Heather) Peterson of Alexandria, Mandy Peterson of St. Cloud, and Kristin (Mike) Moody of Sanborn; his grandchildren, McKenzie Carlisle, Sydney Peterson, Braum Peterson, Nicholas Doering, Madison (special friend, Alex Brennan) Doering, Sophia Doering, Olivia Doering, Rylan Geis, Ella Geis, Kate Moody, and Evan Moody; great grandchildren, Azyiah Taylor and Armontae Taylor; his sisters, Patti (Tim) Berger of Badger, Jackie Widmer (special friend Jim Olson) of Wabasso, Mary Jo “Dodie” Schaaf (special friend Jerry Miller) of Nome AK, Karen Peterson of Redwood Falls and Ann Schiller of Wabasso; mother-in-law, June Hagen; special family friend John Lieberg, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Carl “Ike” and Lucille (Eng) Peterson, his father-in-law, Luverne Hagen and his brother-in-law, Andy Schiller.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s memory to CentraCare Hospice.

Together, let us remember Tom Peterson’s warm smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for his family and friends. May his soul rest peacefully in eternal serenity.

A visitation will take place on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar, MN from 1-3 PM,

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 3 PM at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar, MN.

Interment will be at Minnesota State Cemetery near Camp Ripley in the Spring.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory in Alexandria, Minnesota

www.Andersonfuneral.net

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