George Leroy Peterson

George Leroy Peterson, 94, of Hager City, Wis., passed away at his life-long home on June 3. George was born on November 20, 1922 to Gust and Delia Peterson, the youngest of five children. George and Hildur Nelson were married on June 14, 1946 at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls. They enjoyed fifty-six years together.

In addition to farming, George worked in Red Wing at Koehler’s Bookstore for eighteen years, then Durkee-Atwood until retirement. George had many hobbies and interests including horseshoes, bowling, restoring vintage cars, the Minnesota Twins and gardening. He especially enjoyed sharing beautiful rose bouquets with countless friends. For seventy years, George and Hildur provided floral arrangements for their church.

George gifted his children with nine volumes of handwritten memories from his lifetime. Some of these stories have been published in magazines and newspapers. He was a kind, compassionate and hardworking man, devoted to his family. He will be missed by many.

George is survived by his special friend Doris Gardas, Hager City, WI; children, Joy (Jim) Skifstad, Esko, MN, Elaine (Dick) Gehrz, Pulaski, VA, Ruth (James) Lyons, Clarkesville, GA, Connie (Bruce) Olson, Northfield, MN, Lowell (Carol) Peterson, Bay City, WI, Amy (Jeff) Kelsey, Coon Rapids, MN; seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, brothers, sisters and great-grandson Benjamin Gehrz.

Visitation will be at Zion Covenant Church, Ellsworth, WI, on Tuesday, June 6 from 4-7 p.m. in the Community Center (use lower level entrance). His memorial service will be Wednesday, June 7 at 2 p.m., also at Zion Covenant Church. A private interment will precede the memorial service.
Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Ellsworth, WI is assisting the family.