Eldon Oren Peterson "Eldie"

life story

Dedicated husband, father, grandfather, athlete, and lifelong educator

He taught us physical education, anthropology, the importance of family, how to take time to smell the roses, how to craft a well-executed nickname, and the proper jesting while playing cribbage.

Eldon Oren Peterson, age 87, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in Mankato. Eldie as he was known by friends and family was born March 10, 1936, on a farmhouse outside St. James, MN to Carl and Selma (Westman) Peterson. He attended both elementary and secondary school in St. James, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated in 1954. He attended Mankato State University, where he played football and baseball, and received his bachelor’s degree in 1958, and master’s degree in 1963. As a lifelong learner, he continued his postgraduate work until 1990. As a teacher, he taught in Welcome, MN, and Fairmont, MN before moving to Mankato. For 33 years he taught at Lincoln Jr. High and Mankato West Jr. High. When he retired from teaching, he continued to support student teachers at Mankato State and Gustavus Adolphus College. An educator at heart, he remained in contact with many of his former students. In 2016, he was inducted into the St. James Hall of Fame for athletics.

Eldie and his wife Barbara were married on June 24, 1961, in Blooming Prairie MN. Together they raised their three sons and enjoyed all the activities that come with raising children. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending sporting events, camping, playing golf, hunting, fishing, meeting his friends for coffee at Hy-Vee, woodworking, and watching MN sports. His grandchildren lovingly called him Papa, Funny Grandpa, and Grandpa. He treasured spending time with his family, teaching his grandchildren the art of good teasing, and a fierce game of cribbage.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Steven (Chris) Peterson, Michael (Beth) Peterson, and Patrick (Lisa) Peterson; grandchildren, Rachel Peterson, Alec Peterson, Charles Peterson, Emily Peterson, Maria Peterson, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings; Malinda (Marvin) Kubly, Darline (Herbert) Ludke, Donavon (Marjorie) Peterson, and Marlin Peterson.

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memorial service

Mass of Christian Burial

February 24, 2024

St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church 423 W 7th St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Woodland Hills Funeral Home