Johnnie O Peterson

Johnnie “Buddy” Orlando Peterson, 91, of Alexandria, MN, formerly of Rothsay, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, January 4, 2019, at Alomere Health in Alexandria.

Johnnie was born March 16, 1927, on the family farm in Akron Township, rural Rothsay, to Fred and Ella (Carlsrud) Peterson. He attended country school, graduated from Rothsay High School, and was an active 4-H member. Johnnie married Margaret Sedler on September 23, 1945, at Hamar Lutheran Church. To this union four children were born. Margaret died in 1990.

Johnnie farmed in the Rothsay area from 1945-1974. He then rented his farm land and moved to Rothsay in 1977. Johnnie served as a Wilkin County ASCS Committee Member from 1967-1975 and as a township supervisor in Manston Township for about 25 years. He began working for the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District in Moorhead in 1974 and retired as District Manager in 1992. Johnnie also worked part-time for the Soil Conservation Service.

On November 10, 1992, Johnnie married Arvella Benson in Fergus Falls. They lived in Rothsay and later moved to Fergus Falls.

Johnnie was a lifelong member of Hamar Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and married; most recently he was a member of New Life Lutheran Church of Rothsay. He served on the Church Council and on the Endowment Board.

Johnnie enjoyed his garden, country music, playing whist, watching and following his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. His greatest joy was his family. He would always have coffee on and offered his special “Buddy” bars to all who visited. He voiced frequently how proud he was of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “I love you” was said often. Describing Johnnie, one thinks hard-working, honest, God in his life, love for family and a good sense of humor.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret; daughter-in-law, Tammy Peterson; an infant granddaughter; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Carlotta (Clem) Marick, Sylvia (Pete) Honrud, Ruth (Bennie) Honrud, Fern (Bud) Bjoralt, Joyce (Jim) Currier and one brother and sister-in-law, Maynard (Ellen) Peterson.

Johnnie is survived by one daughter, Connie (Dave) Walden of Ottertail; three sons, Lynn (Nancy) Peterson of Ottertail, Roger Peterson of Pelican Rapids and Randy (Barb) Peterson of Annandale; 13 grandchildren, Tanya (Ryan) Beachy, Trevor (Stacy) Peterson, Tiffany (Jeff) Lorber, Lee (Jordan) Peterson, Jonathan (Ashley) Peterson, Joshua Peterson, Jessica (Micah) Heckman, Anna (Tyler) Neu, Katie (Adam) Becker, Sarah (fiancé Corey) Peterson, Matt Peterson, Becky Peterson and Rachel Peterson; 18 (soon 19) great-grandchildren, Eli, Josie, Jenson and Avery Beachy, Jadeya and Taeren Peterson, Addison, Emery and Oliviah Lorber, Braxton and Braylon Peterson, Greyson, Avery and Harrison Peterson, Drew, Celia and Miles Heckman, Bram Neu and baby Becker.
Memorials preferred to New Life Lutheran Church.

Visitation: 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at the New Life Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 6:30 and resuming one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11:00 am Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay
Clergy: Reverend Randy Whitehead
Burial: Hamar Cemetery, Rothsay

Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, is in charge of arrangements
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com