Wilhelm Peterson

Wilhelm Peterson, age 93, a resident of Pelican Rapids, MN, died Saturday, December 08, 2012 at the Pelican Valley Health Care Center in Pelican Rapids, MN. Wilhelm Leonard Peterson was born on November 19, 1919 to Sofhus and Alma (Evenson) Peterson. He was baptized in Ringsaker Church in March of 1920 and confirmed there in May of 1934. He attended country school. Willie entered the US Army in August of 1942. He served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe during the Battle of the Bulge. Willie received several medals including the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one silver battle star, one service stripe, six overseas service bars and a good conduct medal. He was Private First Class Company C 332nd Engineers. During his years of service, Wilhelm, and three brothers, James, Harry, and Oscar served in WW II at the same time in different campaigns. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945. He returned home to Pelican Rapids. He worked at Larson Construction. Willie worked construction for many years around the area, working on projects such as the Pelican Hospital and Pelican School. He also worked at the Feed Mill. After retiring, he worked as janitor at the Faith Church, a job that he loved the most. He was a life member of the VFW in Pelican Rapids, member of North Immanuel Lutheran Church, He loved to play cards and his infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor provided a fun time for many friends and family members! On June 26, 1974, he was united in marriage to Meranda Sillerud and lovingly inherited her children including Wayne and Glenna Sillerud of Goodyear, AZ, Joyce (Bruce) Hain of Glendale, AZ, Renee (Walt) Fuchs of Pelican Rapids, MN, and grandchildren: Steve Sillerud, Jill (Larry) Renecker, Jesse (Lacey) Sillerud, Roger (Tonya) Hain, Lisa (Brent) Utley, Amber and Andrew Fuchs, great grandchildren: Erik, Lacey, Lane, Ashton, Landon, Jake, Cody, Sheila, Hendrix. He also has two surviving sisters: Luella Meyer of Fergus Falls, MN, Donna Johnson of Pelican Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. Wilhelm is preceded in death by his wife Meranda, his parents, five brothers: James, Stanley, Harry, Oscar, and Donald Peterson, four sisters: Alice Ruud, Lorraine Swanson, Elna Larson, and Marlys Olson. Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 15, 2012, at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, MNFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572