Terry Peterson

Terry Owen Peterson was born on November 12, 1946, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Ralph E. and Brownie (Sedam) Peterson. He grew up in Willmar, was baptized and confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church, attended local schools and graduated from Willmar High School in 1964. For one year he attended Bemidji State College and later the Willmar Area Vocational-Technical School, graduating from the Tool and Die Making Department. He was a member of the Minnesota National Guard. In 1969, he married Renae Rust in Willmar. He was employed by the Possis Company and later for several years by Schlumberger Inc. In 1973, he moved to the Plymouth-Canton community in Michigan, where he was active in various civic affairs. In 1992, he started Corporate Imaging Inc. (a video recording production business) which he owned and operated until ill health forced his retirement this year. On July 12, 2013, he was married to Linda Jean Cornelius in Plymouth, Michigan. His hobbies were racing cars, building cars and serving as a crew member.
From small town beginnings, Terry would lead a life pioneering technology, rising through the corporate ranks, trotting across the globe and finally fueling his passions through his own audio/visual production company, and indulging in his love of motorsports.
Terry was a determined man that sought excellence in everything he did. His exacting eye for detail and endless well of energy lent itself to his success as a production and event designer as well as a creative video editor. Clients and collaborators alike often, at once, blessed and cursed Terry for his unrelenting pursuit of getting it right. In the end, they appreciated that they always got the best that he could give.
Terry did not do things halfway. Whether it was his business or his love of motorsports, he completely immersed himself and self taught the latest trends in technology. Terry started his career when computer technology was in its infancy and used his aptitude for electronics and mechanics as the foundation for his career. Audio/visual production was how he fulfilled his desire to work at the intersection of technology and art, and he did it as well as anyone around.
Later in his career, he purchased a TV production truck to incorporate another of his passions into his work as he traveled the country producing the Heartland Poker Tour. He also did custom work for the University of Michigan and the Plymouth Public Schools. It was on the poker tour that his met his wife, Linda Jean, the woman that would serve as his rock during his illness. It could be said that Terry left this world in peace having found the love of his life.
As recent as the past few years, Terry had begun racing again in stock cars and dragsters. He was a man that did not give into life's limitations, right up until the end. We find comfort in knowing that Terry passed peacefully with his beloved wife and family at his side.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; one son, Mark (and Cindy) Peterson of Plymouth, Michigan; one daughter, Pamela (and Michael) Marsiglia of Ypsilanti, Michigan; stepchildren, Angie, Kelly Jo, Teri, Brooke and Scott; and three granddaughters, Marissa, Miranda and Morgan Peterson. Also surviving are two brothers, Rolf (and Caryl) Peterson of Spicer, Minnesota and Curtis (and Judy) Peterson of New Albany, Indiana; and one sister, Linda Peterson of Sacramento, California; besides other relatives and friends.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents.

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