Kenneth Petersen

A memorial service for Kenneth I. Petersen will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 2, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, Albert Lea, MN, with Rev. Dwight Netzer officiating.  Military honors will be performed by the Albert Lea Area Veteran’s Organizations.  Visitation will be held from 4 – 6 PM Sunday at First Presbyterian Church as well as one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Kenneth passed away after a nine year battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea.  He was 88 years old.

Kenneth Irwin Petersen was born on October 20, 1931 in White River, South Dakota to Peter and Katherine (Nielsen) Petersen.  He was the second youngest out of nine siblings in his family.  In 1937, the family moved to Albert Lea, where he has been a resident ever since.  After graduating from Albert Lea High School, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably from 1951 – 1953.  During his service, he was stationed in Newfoundland and Omaha, NE.  When he came back, he started farming, and continued his farm operation for many years.  Kenneth was voted the Outstanding Young Farmer in his early years – being recognized for having one of the top dairy herds in the state of Minnesota.  His passion for farming never left him, and he enjoyed life on the farm.

Kenneth was a member of the ELKS, and served as Exalted Ruler.  He also served on many projects and volunteer opportunities through the ELKS, like the trips serving at the Youth Camp.  He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for many years.  Kenneth always kept a close eye on Minnesota Sports.  Whether it was Twins Baseball, Gopher sports, or Vikings football, he followed them all!

He is preceded in death by both parents, Peter and Katherine Petersen; and two sons, Douglas and Scott.

Surviving members of his family include his Son, Ken (Susan) Petersen and their children Doug (Joy) Petersen, Matt (Tarynn) Petersen.  Daughter in-law, Kandee Petersen and her children, Randee (Joe) Lindeman, Grant (Michelle) Petersen, Jake (Sara) Petersen.  Son, Phil Petersen and his children, Melissa (Chris) Bertleson, Carrie (Joe) Rossing, Amie Petersen; Son Clayton (Jill) Petersen and their children, Samantha (Jeff) Blettner, Ashley (Kyle) Hulshizer, Logan Petersen; numerous great-grandchildren including Victoria who was near and dear to Kenneth; and many siblings, extended relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice or First Presbyterian Church, Albert Lea.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Good Samaritan, Thorne Crest, and Mayo Clinic Hospice for the care and compassion given to Kenneth.  Blessed be his memory!