David Duane Peterson

David D. Peterson, age 67, of Spicer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, after a one-and-a-half year battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 29, at Harrison Community Presbyterian Church in rural Spicer.  Interment will be at Oakside Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, at the Peterson Brothers Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

David Duane Peterson was born on August 15, 1955, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Kenneth and Gloria (Magnuson) Peterson.  He grew up on the family farm milking cows, growing crops, and developing his life-long passion for farming.  He attended Atwater Public School where he graduated in 1973.

David was baptized and confirmed at Harrison Community Presbyterian Church where he was a 50+ year member.  He was on the church session where he served as a church elder and trustee for many years.  He was also a charter member of the Sons of The American Legion in Spicer.

Not only did David get to live out his dream by spending his life farming, he had his father and brother for partners.  Throughout his life he explored additional avenues of work, including hauling hay to Canada, hauling sweet corn for Green Giant, and working on farm machinery at Wearda Implement.  David had a love for all things farming, including John Deere tractors, trading equipment, annual tractor pulls, and especially planting corn.

David’s hobbies included going on summer camping trips with his kids and grandkids, riding his motorcycle with friends, ice fishing with the neighborhood crew, deer hunting with family, and exploring farming practices throughout different parts of the world, including Brazil and Iceland.  David was happiest when making memories with his grandkids, including, helping them find Easter Eggs, pulling them up and down sledding hills, showing them the ropes of farming, and supporting and cheering on Peterson Family Racing.

David is survived by his two children, Shawn (and Liz) Peterson of East Bethel and Tanya (and Joe) Adams of Bemidji; five grandchildren, Isaac (15) and Zoe (10) Peterson, Greta (8), Layla (5), and Evan (1) Adams; his mother, Gloria Peterson of Atwater; and three siblings, Brenda Powers (and special friend, Marvin) of Spicer, Gerald (and Sue) Peterson of Spicer, and Dennis Peterson of Spicer; besides many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

David was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth in 2011; and sister, Cheryl Tauer in 2012.