Chesley O. Peterson

Chesley Orlando Peterson, age 83 of Hastings, died peacefully on Wednesday evening, November 16, 2016, at his residence. Chesley, the son of Clarence and Alvina (Hellerud) Peterson was born March 15, 1933 on his parents farm in West Lake Johanna Township near Brooten, MN. He served in the United States Army and was stationed at the Presidio Nike Zeus Radar Acquisition Battery during the Cold War. He married Nagene Goddard on September 30, 1967 in St. Paul. Chesley was a pioneer in the field of contact lenses and the founder of the blind Bowling League of St. Paul, MN. He was a fisherman and had a passion for philosophy, theology and photography. Chesley was foremost a man of faith. He always said, "Give a man a fish and hell eat for a day; teach a man to fish and you help feed him for life." He was preceded in death by his parents and his 2 brothers, Arvid and Russell (Millie) Peterson. Chesley is survived by his loving wife, Nagene Peterson; his three children, Lynn Cook, Jon Peterson and Jeff Peterson and his wife, MC Hyland; his beloved grandson, Luke Cook and great granddaughter, Clara Cook; his sister in law Pat Peterson, cherished nieces and nephews and also other family members and friends. The memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Our Saviours Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 West Ninth Street, Hastings, officiated by Rev. Doug Duin and Hospice Chaplain Gregory Gilbert. An additional service will be held Saturday, November 26th at 11:00 a.m. at the West Lake Johanna Lutheran Church, 31039 State Highway 104, Brooten, MN. Interment will be held at West Lake Johanna Lutheran Church Cemetery following the service. Memorials are preferred to the Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul, MN.