Dr. Peter Earl Poss

The funeral service is livestreamed at: https://www.ourlivingwater.org/peterposs.html

Dr. Peter Earl Poss, age 90, of Willmar, Minnesota died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 31, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 9, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Peter was born on September 29, 1933, in Franklin, Minnesota to Harold James Poss and Alma (Erlandson) Poss. Peter grew up in Franklin, enjoying an active life in school, church, and the community as well as helping with the family’s hardware store. After graduating from high school in 1951, he attended St. John's University for one year, and then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1957.

Peter started his career in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, serving two years in the 5th Army Medical Laboratory in St. Louis, Missouri. There he met the love of his life, Emilie Naumann Dick. They married in February 1960, beginning a 64-year marriage.

The couple moved to Paynesville, Minnesota where Peter worked for a general veterinary practice, and they welcomed two sons, Rick and Steve. Peter then bought a private practice in Litchfield, Minnesota and they added a daughter, Mary to their family.

In 1965, Peter was hired by Earl B. Olson Farms and the family moved to Willmar, Minnesota. They made their home on Eagle Lake and added two more children, Lisa and Patti.

Peter was employed as General Manager of Earl B. Olson Farms and became a Vice President of Jennie-O Foods before retiring in 1990. He then served as Assistant to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota for six years and worked as a Veterinary Poultry Consultant for more than ten years. Peter received many awards for his dedication and expertise in the field of avian veterinary science, including the Siehl Prize for excellence in agriculture. In his later years, Peter worked tirelessly to develop the Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum, serving as President of its Board of Directors.

Peter was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he sang in the choir and was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.

Peter enjoyed living on Eagle Lake, sharing his love for boating and fishing with anyone who came to the house. He served on the Eagle Lake Sanitary Sewer Board and was very proud of his work to get the sewer system installed.

Peter enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, especially trips with family and friends to Canada, Colorado, and Florida. He also loved skiing and taught Emilie how to ski on their honeymoon. He and Emilie shared the love of skiing with their children and friends, leading many memorable ski trips.

Peter took great pride in his children and grandchildren, especially their academic accomplishments. He loved watching his grandchildren enjoy each other’s company when hosting the family reunions every summer.

Peter and Emilie traveled the world, visiting all seven continents. A lover of knowledge and new experiences, Peter took every additional excursion he could and made friends on every trip.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carolyn, brothers James, Paul, and Tony Poss and Tony's wife Eleanor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Emilie; five children and their spouses: Rick (and Shelley), Steve (and Marilynn), Mary (and Tom), Lisa (and Brent), Patti (and John); thirteen grandchildren: Lauren, Kristina (and Mike), Gage, Emilie, Jacqlyn, Nicholas, Ryan, Timothy, Kaitlyn, Mitchell, Megan, Nathan, and Andrew; one great-grandchild Theresa; several brothers-and-sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews and cousins, and many wonderful friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal preference.