Shirley J. 'Pete' Peterson — Rochester

Shirley J. "Pete" Peterson, 87, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.

Pete was born Sept. 7, 1926, in Skyberg, the son of John and Annetta Peterson. He served in the Air Force in World War II in Okinawa and Misawa Air Force Base in Japan. He married Carol Jean Steege on Nov. 10, 1951, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Pine Island. They made their home south of Rochester. Pete drove truck for Gamble Robinson and later was a serviceman for Skelgas. He and Carol drove semi-truck for International Transport throughout the United States and Canada for many years. He also farmed locally.

Pete loved farming and farm animals, but most of all he found joy in the company of his family. Through the years, he frequently enjoyed a cup of coffee and conversation with friends at Hanson's Truck Stop, Subway in Stewartville and McDonalds on 48th Street.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Ron (Betty) Peterson, Rochester; Kathy McLaughlin, Rochester; and Lisa Johnson, Pine Island; grandchildren, Jennifer (Guy) Durkee, Springdale, Ark.; Jacqueline (Chad) Erickson, Blaine; Kyle (Coralie) Peterson, Racine; Joanna (Marvin) Billings, Rochester; James (Emily) McLaughlin, Rochester; and Amanda Johnson, Pine Island; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Avis Johnson of Hutchinson; and a brother, Floyd (Arlene) Peterson of Rochester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Arvin Peterson and sister, Frances Weeks.

Visitation will be held at Mahn Family Funeral Home – Rochester Chapel, 1624 37th St. N.W., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, and for one hour prior to the service on Friday.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 Third Ave. S.W. in Rochester, with the Rev. Jason Bryan-Wegner officiating. Internment with military honors will take place at Oakwood Cemetery at 3:45 p.m.

Friends may share a memory at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com .