Leander "Goose" Frank Peterka

About Leander “Goose”

Leander “Goose” Frank Peterka, 98, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Neilson Place in Bemidji.

Leander was born May 25, 1923 in Bagley, MN, the son of Frank and Letha (Maruska) Peterka.

He was raised and educated in Bagley, graduating from Bagley High School in 1941. He served in the US Army Air Force during WW II as a Tail Gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress and completed 29 missions.

On June 24, 1949, he married Genevieve Gladen in Bemidji. He was employed at Quality Cleaners from 1949 to 1960. From 1960 to 1984, he worked for the Bemidji Post Office.

He was a member of St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Bemidji. He enjoyed being a member of the VFW post # 1260 and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was very active with the Bemidji American Legion post # 14 and was Commander from 1996 to 1997 and did a superb job coordinating the Honor Guard for 50 years. He also never missed being in the 4th of July parade with the American Legion.

He is survived by his children, Diane Wright (Dick Jorstad) and Karen MaGaurn both of Bemidji, grandchildren, Jenna Wright of Durango, CO, Anthony Wright, Albuquerque, NM, Carl (Ashley) MaGaurn of Bemidji, and Monaya MaGaurn of Bemidji, great grandchildren, Breanna Wright, Liam, Hudson, and Reagan MaGaurn all of Bemidji and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve, his parents, his sisters, Wilma Tinnesand and Vangie Collison, his brother, Raymond, and his son-in-law, Gary Wright.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Leander

December 20, 2021

St Philip's Catholic Church 702 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Father Bill DeCrans will be officiating with military honors by the American Legion post # 14 of Bemidji. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home