Marlin Leroy Peterson, age 90 of Ellsworth, WI, passed away February 20, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Marlin was born June 20, 1930 to Reuben and Laura (Anderson) Peterson in Red Wing, MN. He lived most of his life in Hartland Township, Pierce County, WI., taking over the family farm after high school following the death of his father. He was an active member of Tabor Lutheran Church, serving on the church council for many years. He transferred to English Lutheran Church, Ellsworth in 1998. Marlin graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1948. He married Lillian “Til” Hilden on April 5th, 1952 and they raised six children. He was a member of the Farmers Union and in 1961 he became the first farmer in Pierce County to join the National Farmers Organization (NFO). He served 1 term as President during the 34 years as a member. Marlin also served as a Director on the Pierce Pepin Electric Co-op Board 2 terms, serving as Board President during his second term. Besides farming, in the late 60s he went into construction carpentry and was part of the building of the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant in the 70s. He was a member of the Red Wing Carpenters Union Local 2083. In 1998 he began working as an Insurance agent for Stockholm Town Mutual Insurance. After retirement he worked part-time for Ellsworth Auto as a parts runner.
Marlie (affectionately known to his family and friends whom he loved dearly) enjoyed playing golf, bowling, bicycling, skiing, playing cards, and of course cheering on his favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed many winter months on the Alabama Gulf Coast in Gulf Shores. Marlie was known for his keen sense of humor, his card skills (especially euchre) and his love of Neil Diamond music.
He is survived by his 6 children, Jill (Ronnie) Hague of Ellsworth, Kay Musick of Ozark, AL, Terri (Mark) Ruppel of Cumberland, WI, Jeff (Steffani) Peterson of Burlingame, CA, Rick Peterson of Denison, TX and Lorin Peterson (Palm Cline) of Rosemount, MN; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great granddaughter.
Marlin was preceded in death by his wife, Til; his parents; Reuben and Laura Peterson; sisters, Marjorie (James) Jagusch and Dorothy (James) Dahl; brother, Kenneth; 3 nephews and 1 niece.
A celebration of Marlin’s life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 19, 2021 at English Lutheran Church, 229 W Main St., Ellsworth, WI, with Pastor Jeff Smith officiating. A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, MN. Memorials may be sent to their church, English Lutheran, 229 West Main Street, Ellsworth WI 54011.
Arrangements are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
