Dennis Peterson, a 92-year-old of Clarissa, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud.

Dennis' funeral will be viewable via Zoom, as long as there are no technical difficulties.

Meeting ID 6114240136

Password 581729

Dennis Marvin Peterson was born on August 24, 1932, the son of John August (Harry) and Annie Charlotte (Anderson) Peterson. Dennis was the fourth of six children to the couple. Dennis attended country school and one year of high school and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. He proudly served his country for two years. It was while stationed in Japan that Dennis started writing letters back home to his family and a neighbor girl, Joan Kasper. The two wrote back and forth, and after Dennis was honorably discharged from the Army, he moved back to Todd County and courted her officially. Dennis married the love of his life on March 9, 1957. Their union was blessed with nine children and 68 years of making memories. After marriage, the couple lived in the Twin Cities for a time but eventually moved back closer to family and purchased a farm in rural Clarissa in 1966. 

 Dennis worked most of his life as a farmer, milking cows and working the fields. When he semi-retired from farming, he started working in town at a tool and die shop. Although he officially retired in 1997, he continued to tinker in his shop, working on various small engine items or anything he thought he could fix or modify/improve. Dennis continued into retirement, helping area farmers with planting and harvest. Dennis was a member of the Immanuel/Shepherd of the Valley Church. He served on the cemetery board and church council, which affirmed his faith and filled his spiritual cup. He also enjoyed working with wood, hunting, and fishing. Dennis never turned down a game of 10,000. Old John Wayne movies or Walker, Texas Ranger filled downtime for him. Dennis and Joan enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings together, although he would say with a twinkle in his eye that the Vikings get paid to lose. Family was everything. He loved them immensely, and it brought him great pride. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy.

 Dennis was such a loving and caring man, he believed in a firm handshake, helping others in need, and was never shy to tease ya just a little.

 On August 9, 2025, Dennis passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital. He was 92 years old. He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Joan; children, Steve (Sharon) Peterson, Deb (Chuck) Godding, Liane (Leon Thorson) Ahrendt, Janette (Scott) Silvey, Vicki (Lorne) Perish, Russ (Cindy) Peterson, Kevin (Lynn) Peterson, Alisa (Kenny) Viktora and Daniel Peterson; 28 grandchildren and their spouses; and 46 great grandchildren; Sister Devona Berry; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson Joshua Godding; great-granddaughter, Hazel Viktora; two sisters and two brothers; son-in-law, Jeff Ahrendt.