Michael Allan Peterson

Our hearts are broken, Michael (Mike) Allan Peterson, 80, of Ham Lake, Minnesota (formerly Fridley, MN and Northfield, WI) passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2024 at home. 

He was born to parents Francis and Jennie Peterson, on August 11, 1943, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Mike graduated from Jackson High School, in Hixton, Wisconsin and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. After a few years in the cities, he met the love of his life, Colleen and they married in 1968. Mike was always a hard worker, sometimes working more than one job to take care of his family. He worked for Onan Corporation for a number of years, and that is where he met some of their life-long friends. After leaving Onan, he became a truck driver, working over the road for a number of years hauling U.S. mail, and then landing at SuperValu. He was with SuperValu for over 20 years, and was recognized for many years as an accident free driver. If they gave an award for most social, he probably would have received that too – each store he went to, he made friends. If you had the opportunity to visit one of the stores he delivered to, with him, he would introduce you to everyone!

Mike loved taking his family camping. The family camped in many locations, and found Smith Lake Resort to be his favorite. So much so, a trailer was purchased and they had a seasonal home. Fishing was good all year round – but more so, when he could be on the lake with his buddies, betting on who would catch the first bullhead! Mike was well known at the Resort, always helping a neighbor and socializing! As many would say, you could hear “Mayor Mike” coming a mile away, and “that laugh”!  

Mike truly loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved a good fish fry, eating out, fishing, playing cards, or a trip to the casino. He also loved cheering on the Vikings, Wild and NASCAR.

One thing he was really proud of, was his sobriety. This year was the 40^th anniversary. Throughout the years, many found him to be their mentor during a path to sobriety. 

Mike and his twin-sister, Margaret had a special bond. Their Packer-Viking rivalry was always entertaining and kept them both on their toes. 

In the last few years, Mike endured many health issues and he was an eternal optimist and always looking forward to being strong enough “to go to the casino”. 

Mike is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Colleen Peterson (Bowen), children Scott (Helen) Peterson of Hayward, Wisconsin, Jill (Jason) Anderson of East Bethel, Minnesota, and Brett Peterson (Heidi Thomas) of International Falls, Minnesota, grandchildren Chad, Allie, Colton and Sidney and great-grandchildren Dylan, Bentley and Abagail. He is also survived by his siblings, Frieda, Kenny (Ramona) and Margaret (Don) and his sister-in-law Jane. Mike also has many other family and friends who will deeply miss him.    

He was preceded in death by his parents (Francis and Jennie), his mother-in-law Frances Bowen, brother-in-laws David, Bill and Duane and sister-in-law Dar. Many of his good friends, and favorite cat, Mandy, also preceded him to heaven. 

Mike had a crew waiting for him with open arms, a cribbage board and fishing tales!