Gerald Conrad Peterson, 73, of Fergus Falls, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
Gerald “Jerry” Conrad was born December 6, 1950, in Buse Township, the son of Conrad and Ruth (Kronemann) Peterson. He grew up on the family farm in Fergus Falls, was confirmed at First Lutheran and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1969. After graduation, Jerry attended Fergus Falls Junior College and Moorhead State University for Mechanical Engineering. He had a lifelong passion for music. He played bass for the Green Jade band in high school with his lifelong friends. They played at college events and in small towns. His passion for music carried on throughout his lifetime. He always made sure there was music playing loudly wherever he was working: on the deck, in the shop, in the yard, or in the garden. Some of his favorites included Elvis, The Beach Boys, 60’s and 70’s, and Country music.
Jerry’s devotion to his high school sweetheart, Christine Knutson, was unwavering. They married on August 14, 1971, at Trinity Church, in Fergus Falls, then settled on the family farm in 1973 when Jerry took over the dairy and grain operations. After 37 years, Jerry retired from farming in 2010 and continued his hay operation until 2022. Jerry worked at Stonel until 2018. His semi-retirement job was currently at Earl Strande Excavating, hauling gravel and farming as needed.
Jerry was actively involved in the community through his participation in 4H growing up, where he assisted with livestock and coached softball. He always ensured that everyone had the opportunity to play, demonstrating his inclusive and caring nature.
Jerry had many hobbies and ongoing projects at any given time. He treasured projects that were with his grandchildren. Jerry loved to garden, perhaps a nod to all the years of farming. An avid gardener, Jerry planted enough vegetables to feed the entire family and anyone else he knew would enjoy them. While relaxing on the deck, he enjoyed watching the many birds that frequented the yard and kept them well-fed. Jerry was a tinkerer. Tractors, antique farm equipment and motorcycles were a longtime hobby of his, whether riding, restoring, or fixing them. He also loved woodworking projects, building and refinishing any request that came his way. He thoroughly enjoyed “Puzzling” with Christine or his grandkids in the winter.
Jerry loved to playfully get a rise out of anyone! If you knew him, there was always joking, laughter, shenanigans, and belly laughs. If anyone were home for the weekend, you would find him making a big breakfast on the deck on Sunday mornings. The kitchen was the heart of the home for Jerry. He was always involved in canning or freezing garden produce and making lefse with his girls to share with friends. He would, of course, always have some candy stashed in his toolbox in the shop … and in the blue shed, barn, freezer, wherever he had projects going on.
Jerry’s love for his children and grandchildren ensured there were enough toys on the farm growing up. There were always enough minibikes, snowmobiles, and sleds to keep us kids and our friends entertained. As a Grandpa, there were always toys for all the grandchildren to keep busy with, like Nerf gun wars, ride-on toys, a long enough garden hose to chase around the farm yard, swing sets, a playhouse, and a bouncy house. He bought many grandchildren their first bicycles.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Christine, and Four children: Andrea (Tony) Loomer, Heather (Curt) Rostenbach, Brandt (Katie) Peterson, and Brittney (Josh) Rud. Many grandchildren: Kyra (Logan Barker) Loomer, Koryna (Ethan Ellingson) Loomer; Issac (Sydne Koppang), Owen and Elliana Rostenbach; Riley, Avery, Raelynn, and Otto Peterson; Gage, Payton and Krew Rud; one Great-grandbaby, Fynn Rostenbach and was excited about the news of one on the way. Special cousins Robert Peterson and Mark Peterson, as well as numerous other relatives and friends,
He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Ruth Peterson, mother-in-law, Mabel Knutson, father-in-law, Clarence Knutson, and beloved grandson, Archer Peterson.
Funeral service: 2 PM, Tuesday, June 18 at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
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