Alvin E Peterson

Alvin Peterson passed away July 30, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Center, Park River at the age of 91.


Alvin Edward Peterson was the thirteenth child born to Joseph and Emma (Skogstad) Peterson on November 6, 1930 on his parent’s farm, Shepherd Township, Rural Lawton, ND where he lived and farmed his entire life.


He was baptized and confirmed at Vang Lutheran Church, rural Fairdale.  He attended school in Shepherd Township through the 8th grade.  After spending a year in the Korean War, where he was a battalion welder, he returned to Shepherd Township to farm with his father and his brother, Albert.  He was member of the American Legion Post 147, Park River and served on the Shepherd Township Board for many years.  Alvin was previously married and had three children:  Michael, Darlene and Denise.  Michael passed away August 23, 1969.


In April of 1970, Grace Schmidt was hired as a housekeeper and to take care of the children.  This was a good fit for the family.  Alvin and Grace were married in their new home, on November 23, 1976.  She was the light of his life and they enjoyed many happy years together.  Alvin was a hardworking man, had a sense of humor, and liked to tell jokes, drink coffee and visit.  He liked to play little jokes on his grand kids and great grand kids and enjoyed their laughter.


Alvin is survived by his daughters:  Darlene (Gary) Krom, Lawton, ND; Denise Sandford, Perham, MN.  As well as his five grandchildren, Jennifer Krom, Stacy Sandford, Kyle Krom, James Sandford and Trevor Schmidt and three great-grandchildren: Teagyn Sandford, Blake McKusick and Gracelyn Krom.  His step-sons: Ronald Schmidt, Tolna, ND; Warren “Gene” (Leslie) Schmidt, Moorhead, MN; his sister-in-law, Avis Peterson, Chico, CA and many nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, parents, wife Grace, brothers and sisters:  Peter (Ruby) Peterson, Clarence (Evelyn) Peterson, Ernest (Joy) Peterson, Edwin (Mabel) Peterson, Albert Peterson, Joel Peterson, Elda (Andrew) Flaten, Chester Peterson, Lillian (Chester) Hove, Violet (Steve) Meline, Ethel (Albert) Schuster and his twin brother, Allan Peterson.


Funeral services will be Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will be at the Vang Cemetery, rural Fairdale, ND.  Military Rites will be provided by the Park River American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

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