Iver Bert Peterson

Iver Peterson passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with cancer, at his home in Pine City at the age of 88.

Iver Bert Peterson was born December 16, 1935 to Amos and Bertha (Stumne) Peterson in Pokegama Township, Pine County, Minnesota. 

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 18, 1955, completing basic training in Oakland, California. After basic training he was told "Since you volunteered, we will volunteer you" and he was assigned to guard airplanes. He wanted to be assigned to the radio/mechanics but that didn't happen.

In 1958, upon his discharge, Iver hitch-hiked back to Pine City which took 24 different rides including a semi-truck full of oranges and a motorcycle. In his duffel bag he brought a coconut, a bronze vase with Japanese etchings, and a half-gallon of 110 proof Smirnoff vodka. 

Thanks to the G.I. Bill, Iver attended Junior Valley College for automotive diesel mechanics.  He worked on the family farm until 1960 when he borrowed money from his parents to attend heavy equipment school in Charlotte, North Carolina. After returning to Minnesota, he worked at a variety of construction companies. His dream was to join the 49er Union. He kept a blank check in his wallet just in case he might get the chance, and one day it happened.

Iver was not only employed at many different construction companies, but he also owned and operated Iver B. Peterson Construction, ACE Sewer Service, Trees R Us, Iver Peterson Stump Grinding, and even invented a product for skidsteers; the I-C MOR mirrors.  He was a workaholic and just loved moving dirt or snow.

Iver married Lorrie Cummings and they made their home on the southeast end of Pokegama Lake. He and Lorrie raised their three children there, and Iver spent the rest of his life living in that same home.

Over the years Iver was very involved with Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He attained the fourth degree Knight of Columbus level and worked with many different church groups including; the Tootsie Roll Drive, Fish Fry, delivering home communion, Bike-a-Thon and as a role model for the young squire boys. He assisted with the dunk tanks, tubing at Wild Mountain, and had go-carts and campfires for kids at his house.

Iver loved his family and was broken-hearted when his son, Dan, was killed in a car accident, and his son-in-law, Ronnie Cox, passed away. He had a heart of gold and was a loving, caring, respected, honest man that many trusted.

Iver is survived by his wife Lorrie Peterson; brother Amos "Red" Peterson; daughters Annette (Tom) Hovatter, Kim (Scott) Nowling; grandchildren Niki (Trevor) Christenson, Steven (Brittany) Nowling, Kara (Steffan) Hannah, Bre (Chad) Buirge; step-grandchildren Nicole (Mario) Leon, Eric Hovatter; great-grandchildren Peyton Gunderson, Roni Buirge, Lilly Nowling; step great-grandchildren Maddi Christenson, Caiden Buirge, Gavin DuChene; sister-in-law Lorraine Stransky, brother-in-law Donald (Roberta) Cummings; many other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Amos & Bertha Peterson; stepfather Edward Vadnais; son Dan K. Peterson; son-in-law Ronnie Cox; in-laws John & Hattie Cummings, brother-in-law Ernie Cummings; sisters-in-law Joann Peterson, Kathy Ritter.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Iver: 11 AM; Friday, August 16, 2024 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beroun. A time of visitation and reviewal 4:00-7:00 PM; Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Swanson Funeral Chapel of Pine City with 7:00 PM Rosary, and visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Pine City.

Funeral arrangements for Iver Peterson are entrusted to the:  Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Swanson Chapel of Pine City

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com