Donald Arthur Peterson

Don was born on August 21, 1929 in Harris, Minnesota to Hilding and Blanche Peterson. He passed away on December 20, 2011 at North Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 82. Don had been living at the Health and Rehab of New Brighton for the last 5 years. Don owned and operated the Peterson Food Store in Harris for over 20 years. Before that he worked for his dad in the same store. Don was known for his good meat and had customers from the twin cities that would drive up to Harris to shop. He also sold to several cafes in the area. Don was very committed to the grocery business and worked at it 7 days a week with never a vacation. He did find time to be active in the Harris Fire Department for over 50 years and was secretary/treasurer for many of those years. He was also active in the Harris Lions Club and was secretary/treasurer for that organization. As a youngster Don attended grade school in Harris and North Branch High School and graduated in 1947. During high school, he worked in his Dads grocery store after school and on Saturday. After a short stint in the army, he came back to the store. When his dad decided to buy a store in Rush City he sold the Harris Fairway store to Don. As a youngster, Don was also the custodian of the Baptist Church in Harris. That meant dusting, sweeping, cutting the grass, shoveling the snow and in the winter lighting the coal furnace in the basement. The fire had to be started on Saturday in order to get the church warm enough for Sunday service. Don is survived by brother Bill Peterson, sister-in-law Harriet Peterson, brother-in-law Vern Riediger and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents Hilding and Blanche Peterson, sister Dorene Riediger and sister Eleanor (Dale) Erickson, brothers Wendell, Alden, Vernie, and Arvin Peterson, and several nieces and nephews. Rev. Laurie O’Shea will officiate at funeral services; 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (12/27/11) at the Olson Chapel in Rush City with a time of visitation and reviewal one hour prior. The interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Harris. Funeral arrangements for Donald A. Peterson of Harris are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City; Olson Chapel