Gerald "Jerry" Peterson

Gerald (Jerry) Milton Peterson passed away at 5:42 p.m. on December 9. 2025, at his home in Hastings, MN surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was 79 years old. Jerry fought until the end, always hoping for one more day to celebrate a life he enjoyed to the fullest.

Jerry was born to his parents, Caryl and Milton Peterson, on October 30, 1946, in Belle Plaine, Iowa. He graduated from Lake Mills, Iowa, high school in 1964. Jerry’s education continued at Luther College, Decorah, IA, where in 1969, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

Jerry’s career began as a trainee manager for Sears in Brooklyn Park, MN. It was during this time that Jerry met his forever love, Carmen Couch. They were married on September 27th, 1970.

As newlyweds, Jerry and Carmen, chose to relocate to Hastings where Jerry took a position with Tom Goranson’s furniture business on Vermillion St. in Hastings. As a Hastings resident, Jerry joined the Hastings Police Reserves, serving when called up during Hastings’ special events. As a guy ready to serve people, Jerry filed to be a Third Ward city councilman, falling short by a very slim margin.

Looking for a career change led Jerry to the field of Corrections. His first assignment in Corrections resulted in the position of Corrections Officer at Stillwater Prison, which later advanced to the position of Lieutenant/Watch Commander at the Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility. It was during Jerry’s 27 years at Oak Park Heights and Stillwater that he formed many deep and lasting relationships, with a good number of them staying by Jerrys side during his last eight months of life. Weekly home visits transitioned Jerry’s fondness and love for his work colleagues into a form of compassionate healing.

Upon his retirement from Oak Park Heights, Jerry accepted a security position for the Minnesota Twins. It was here that more work associates were discovered to also be among the best friends a guy could want. Jerry came to know players and their families by what car they would arrive in for a game. Looking in the purses and bags of game attendees became part of Jerry’s workday with the Twins. Jerry would remark on how fortunate he was to have discovered this gratifying post-retirement job with the Twins.

To the union of Jerry and Carmen, two wonderful children, Rachael and Daniel Peterson, were born. The lasting sorrow of losing son Daniel at age 30, made life a distinct challenge for both Carmen and Jerry.

Upon her graduation from Luther College, and following her father’s lead, Rachael entered the field of Corrections. Jerry’s pride and support of Rachael’s many achievements remained foremost in his thoughts as his life came to a close. A strong father-daughter bond was evident as Rachael tended to her father’s every need in his final farewell.

Before Danny Peterson’s early passing, Dan had started “Dan Peterson Services”. Following his retirement, Jerry knew it would be a great gig to work for his son, The father-son team took great pride in providing the best landscaping grooming to their clients during both summer and winter. The business had become successful, but Danny’s onset of cancer and his passing brought the father-son’s dream to a sudden close. To work through his sorrow Jerry kept Danny’s red Ford F150 and drove it around town to keep a piece of Danny with him each day.

Jerry had a heart for people. He truly cared about the people he met, worked with, and played with. This was a trait he grew up with in his home and it carried him through his life. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Jerry is survived by his wife Carmen (55 years) and daughter Rachael Irene Peterson, (Kelly Peterson) of Victoria, MN. Also surviving Jerry is his sister Marcia VanVleet and his mother-in-law, Irene Couch. Additional survivors are grandchildren Melanie (Tim) Matheson of Circle Pines, MN, Kali Peterson, Hastings, Abby (Cody) Anderson) and great grandchildren, Mabel Mathesen and Colter Anderson. Jerry is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, their spouses, and friends, who will miss him dearly.

Son, Daniel Peterson, and Jerry’s parents, Caryl and Milton Peterson preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held on January 23rd, 2026, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, located at 3075 Vermillion St. Hastings. There will be a visitation at 1pm and the Celebration of Life at 3pm.

My mom does love flowers and would also encourage folks to donate to Superior Hospice Care and Hastings Family Services.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.