Kurt Petersen

Kurt Harold Petersen was born on January 5, 1927 to Ferdinand and Elvira (Cronberg) Petersen in Springwater Township of Rock County, MN. Kurt was raised on the family farm and attended District 21 country school through the 8th grade. He was baptized on July 17, 1938 at St. John Lutheran Church and on July 13, 1941, he confirmed his faith at the church. Following his education, Kurt worked on the home farm and also at neighboring farms for about six years. On December 22, 1946, Kurt was united in marriage to Dorothy Kemerling at St. John Lutheran Church. From 1947 to 1948, Kurt worked for Bill Akkerman and then in March of 1948, the couple moved to Neal Roberts’ farm where they farmed and began raising their family until March of 1957. They then moved their family to Kurt’s family farm in Springwater Township and continued to farm there for the next 40 years. In 1997, Kurt and Dorothy retired and moved into Luverne. On Wednesday, September 18, 2019, Kurt died peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 92 years, eight months and 13 days.

Kurt was a member of St. John Lutheran church in Luverne, where he was an elder and involved in both the men’s club and the couple’s club. He served on the Farmers Union Board and the Soil Conservation Service Board. In his spare time, Kurt enjoyed fishing year-round, playing cards, ballroom dancing, camping, traveling, watching the Minnesota Twins, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Kurt is lovingly survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy; nine children, Gary (Elizabeth) Petersen of North Mankato, MN, Bruce (Karen) Petersen of Brandon, SD, Mark Petersen of Luverne, Kevin (Marty) Petersen of St. Cloud, MN, Lyle Petersen of Luverne, Kate (John) Thomas of Tacoma, WA, Dan (Dawn) Petersen of Luverne, Ellie (Bryce) Oldre of Luverne, and Brad (Amy) Petersen of Luverne; 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol (Jim) Drews of Auburn, CA; sister-in-law, Loretta Petersen of Luverne; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Robbie Petersen; parents; and three siblings, Elaine (Sylvester) Reker, Ralph Petersen, and Gordon (Gwen) Petersen.