Eugene Peterson, 89, Owatonna

Eugene “Gene” Gilbert Peterson, 89, of Owatonna, died Friday, March 7, 2025, in Owatonna.

He was born Feb. 26, 1936, in Owatonna, the son of Gilbert and Ruth (Warsinski) Peterson. Gene grew up on the family farm and lived there for 89 years and attended country school at the end of his driveway. After school he started farming and dairy farming and helped his uncle with his tiling business.

Gene met Myrna at the Monterrey Ballroom and on June 21, 1958, they were united in marriage at St. John Church in Owatonna. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Mark and Jolene.

Gene was involved in his community in many ways, serving over 50 years on the Merton Township Board, helping out with the Steele County Free Fair, and proud 4-H family. He loved to take his trips to Hawaii and his little ventures around the area. Gene was very proud to have his farm be a century farm, but most of all he was proud to be a father, grandpa, and more grandpa. Gene would light up every time he saw his little ones.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Myrna Peterson of Owatonna; children, Mark (and Karen) Peterson of Owatonna, Jolene (and Paul) Patterson of St. Peter; granddaughters, Nikki (and Dan) McCauley and their children, Ruthie and Myla; and Amanda (and Andrew) LaDouceur and their children Easton. Koa, and Willow; brother, Roger (and Georgia) Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Ruth Peterson, and brother, Ronald Peterson.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Dania Cemetery in rural Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna.

Michaelson Funeral Homes of Owatonna is handling the funeral arrangements.