Larry Peterson

Larry Ray Peterson was born on January 1, 1941, on a farm near Clara City, Minnesota to parents Raymond and Marie (Miller) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The family moved to Maynard, MN in 1945. Larry started school in 1946 and graduated in 1958. Larry served in the U.S. Army for 2 years, 1962-1964, and also with the Army National Guard, 1967-1976, earning the rank of SSgt (E6). 

Larry was united in marriage to JoAnn Bahn on April 3rd, 1965 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wood Lake. They spent 61 loving years together and were blessed with four children and a foster child. Larry worked as a machinist for 47 years in Granite Falls, Rodgers Hydraulics, Victor Fluid Power, and Granite Fluid Power. He then spent 3 years at Midcontinent Cabinetry, Cottonwood, MN. Larry was a blood donor and was very proud of giving 25 gallons and 2 pints. He also took 40 trips into Canada fishing with friends and family. Larry was a volunteer fireman in Wood Lake for 25 years and a longtime member of the American Legion Post 556, 10 of which were as commander.

 Larry passed peacefully in the early morning of Friday, May 15th, 2026 at the St. Cloud VA Veterans Hospice after a short battle with cancer. 

Larry is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter Becky Ann (Greg) Braun; sons Delaine (Lori) Peterson, Lance (Tammy) Peterson, Travis (Brenda) Peterson, and Brent (Jodi) Reynolds. Granddaughters Mandie Jo (Justin) Krutchek, Jenni (Dustin) Berends, Grandsons Trentyn Braun, Taylor (Leah) Peterson, Tanner (Katelyn) Peterson, Shawn Peterson, Nathan Peterson (Kameron King), Nicholas (Macy) Peterson, Ethan (Alexis) Peterson, Jacob Peterson (Emma Melbostad), and Cole Freilino. Great-grandchildren; Lily Spike (Luke Powers), Hunter Spike, Kolby Spike, Faith Braun, Xander Braun, Landyn Berends, Avery Berends, Kamdyn Berends, Kaysen Berends, Breckin Peterson, Brinley Peterson, Levi Peterson, Clay Peterson, Teagan Peterson, and Woodley Peterson. Great-Great-Grandchildren: Oaklynn Powers & Baby girl Powers (due in September) Brother, Earl Peterson, brother-in-law, Del (Barb) Bresson, sister-in-law Carolyn Rasnak, sister-in-law Kathy (Jim) Munsell, along with several nieces and nephews, and many close friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Ray & Marie Peterson, his parents-in-law Marvin & Reba Bahn, sister Norma Roder, brother-in-law Glenn Roder, brother Donald Peterson & nephew Ryan Peterson. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making monetary donations to the family. They will be donating memorials to the St. Cloud VA Hospice Unit 49-1 and Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors in memory of Larry. No formal acknowledgements will be sent.