Jerry Peterson

Jerry Peterson, age 77, departed this life on September 9, 2024 from Rushseba Station, Rush City.

Jerry Lee Peterson was born March 26, 1947 to Carlton and Lucille (Mattson) Peterson in Waterloo, Iowa.

Jerry graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1965. He married Dee Slawson, his darling companion, on June 22, 1971 and together they built a life they loved: raising two cherished daughters, building a respected business, and kissing in the kitchen. He spearheaded long road trips, exploring every possible back road (and bakery) with Dee and the girls, periodically serenading his family with bursts of song. Jerry delighted in his grandchildren and loved being their Bakka.

Jerry and Dee lived in Shell Rock, Iowa, for over 20 years, where they operated Eliminator Refuse Company, the business they founded in 1970. Jerry worked 18-hour days, starting the garbage and recycling routes before sunrise, followed by hours of meticulous truck maintenance. He appreciated the hard work and dedication of his employees and took pride in a job well done. When they sold the business in 1999, Jerry and Dee moved to the woods outside Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Jerry thrived on adventure, and boat racing was his passion. He began racing outboard hydroplanes at age 12. Known worldwide for his mastery of the flying start, Jerry was a national (D Hydro) and world champion (D and F Hydro). He set a world straightaway record in 1970 and was inducted into the Evinrude 100 MPH Outboard Club.

He also enjoyed snowmobiling, flying airplanes, and midnight canoe rides with Dee.

Jerry was superb in a crisis; he was always there when a loved one needed him, and he regularly helped strangers who needed a ride, had flat tires, or were stuck in snowdrifts.

Left behind to cherish Jerry's memory are his daughters Stacey (Mitch Lopata) Peterson of Rindge, NH, Sara (Tim) Groen of Rush City; grandchildren Andy and Ellie Groen; brother Butch Peterson of Waterloo, Iowa; sisters Sheila (Frank) Lee of Durango, CO, Candace (Steve) Larson of Isanti.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Carlton and Lucille Peterson; beloved wife Dee Peterson.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Thank you to the Rushseba Station staff and St. Croix Hospice staff for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Alzheimer’s Association
Attn: Donor Services
225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601 
www.alz.org

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com