Dennis Petersen

Dennis Ray Petersen, 71, of Crookston, MN, died Wednesday evening, February 5, 2014, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston. He was born at Tyler, MN on February 3, 1943 and was the son of Andy and Olga (Jensen) Petersen. Dennis grew up in Tyler and graduated from Tyler High School in 1961. He enlisted in the US Army on June 5, 1964 and served with the 1st Engineering Battalion in Viet Nam during the Viet Nam War. Following his honorable discharge on June 2, 1967 he returned home and furthered his education at Pipestone, MN. Dennis re-entered military service with the United States Air Force on February 2, 1968. As a career enlistee he was stationed at Norton AFB, Redlands, CA; Ramstein AFB in Germany; and later back to Norton AFB. On November 22, 1975 Dennis was united in marriage to Mercy Mendez at Redlands, CA. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force with the rank of TSGT (E6) on February 28, 1982. For his service to his country, through both the Army and Air Force, Dennis was awarded the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Dennis and Mercy came to Crookston after retirement and became active members of the community. In 2003 they were honored with the "Experienced Americans" award, presented by the Crookston Park and Rec Dept. Dennis was a life member of the VFW and a life member of the DAV. He was dearly loved by his family and that love was reflected back to them just as much. He will be long remembered for his kindness as much as his strength. Dennis is survived by Mercy, his beloved wife of 38 years; 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren: Gail (Robert) and family of Redlands, CA, Richard (Susanna) and family of Bullhead City, AZ, Gregg and family of Crookston, Albert and family of Crookston, and Mark of Redlands. He also leaves 3 sisters: Joyce Petersen of Madison, WI, Shirley Chapman of Tulsa, OK, and Sharon (Dennis) Bowman of Bemidji, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Olga; and a sister, Marvis Ahlness. May God bless the memory of Dennis Ray Petersen. The funeral service for Dennis Petersen will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Fort Selling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Military Honors will be provided by the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honors Unit and the Crookston Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given in Dennis' name to the American Cancer Society.





Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

---

Previous Events

Visitation
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Service
Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Cemetery Details

Location