Gary Eugene Peterson

Gary Peterson, age 76, died October 14, 2011 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. In his final moments he was surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years, his three daughters and other family members.Gary Eugene Peterson was born on August 1, 1935 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota to Ellis E. and Charlotte (Anderson) Peterson. He grew up in Pelican Rapids and graduated from high school in 1953. Gary attended Moorhead State University and the served in the US Army and was stationed in Panama. He attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where he met the love of his life. He married Mary Carol on June 24th, 1961. After their marriage, they moved to Pelican Rapids and Gary began a lifelong career at the Pelican Press becoming the third generation to publish the local newspaper. Gary believed in the Pelican Rapids community and played a vital part in keeping Main Street thriving. Gary was Publisher and Editor of the Pelican Press for 41 years.Gary was dedicated to Pelican. He was past Master of the Masonic Lodge, long time Rotary member, Board Member and volunteer of Organizing Acts of Kindness (OAKS), active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteer of many other activities and projects to improve and promote Pelican Rapids. Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Carol; daughters: Julie (Richard) Barsness, Greenbush, Minnesota; Cynthia Peterson, Duluth, Minnesota; Sarah (Richard) Norton, Otsego, Minnesota; and son Gary Edward (Randy Buckley) Peterson, Pacific Grove, California. Grandchildren: Paul Peterson, Caleb Wrolson, Peter Barnett and fiance Holly Westermeyer, Jacqueline Fairbanks, Jacob, Megan and Zachary Hassing, Ravn Peterson; Great grandson, Marcus Ronnebaum. He is also survived by brothers Everett (Marilyn) Peterson, Ft. Meyers, Florida; Richard (Pam) Peterson, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, sister Nancy Peterson Olson, Fargo, North Dakota, and very special aunt Florence Arntson who was like a mother to Gary. Family was everything to Gary. He had a special smile and laughter that was reserved only for his precious grandchildren. There are different kinds of gifts all from the same Spirit Faith, Hope and LoveThe Greatest of these is Love. He was the best of us.Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Charlotte Peterson; step-mother Edna (Seim) Peterson, and brother Roger Peterson and sister-in-law Joyce Peterson.Funeral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572