Dennis Theodore Peterson

Dr. Dennis Theodore Peterson, age 85, of Milaca passed away peacefully on December 24, 2017 due to complications of a stroke.  Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milaca with Rev. Tim Bauer officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:30 - 11 AM at the church on Saturday.  Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca.

Dennis was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on January 4, 1932 to Roy and Nellie (Engen) Peterson. He grew up in Milaca, where he attended school and was active in music, sports and was proud to become an Eagle Scout. He also worked part time with his father at Peterson Produce. After graduating in 1949, he attended St. Olaf College and then enlisted in the Air Force, where he served four years. He then finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota.

On December 19, 1954, Dennis married his high school sweetheart Marian Sederquist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milaca. Together they had three children. He obtained a degree in Dentistry from the University of Minnesota and practiced in Milaca for 34 years. Dennis was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Nazarene Commandery and the Zuhrah Shrine. He was a longtime member of Forest Hill Cemetery Board, American Legion, Milaca School Board, Jaycees, and Chamber of Commerce. Dennis was a lifelong and devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir beginning at age 15.

Dennis was a loving husband, father and very proud grandfather. He attended many of his children’s and grandchildren’s music and sporting events. He frequently entertained his family with witticisms, silly songs and stories, most of which we will never forget. He loved to spend time playing bridge, cribbage, and smear. He would often do crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles while watching whatever sporting event he could find on T.V. In retirement, golf was a near daily activity.

Dennis was an avid sportsman and enjoyed dozens of golfing, fishing, hunting, and camping trips with his friends and family. During summer months he would spend his free time at the family cabin on Mille Lacs Lake. You would rarely find Dennis without either a fish pole or golf club in his hand.

Preceded in death by his parents Roy and Nellie Peterson, one sister Ruth Thompson and brother-in-law Lloyd Thompson. Survived by wife Marian, children Linda (Jeff) Carroll of Brooklyn Park, Rich (Deanna) Peterson of North St. Paul, Sandy (Randy) Davis of Maplewood and grandchildren Nicole Peterson, Dan (Brianna) Peterson, Brandon Peterson, Brian Carroll and Paul Carroll.