Donald Peterson

Donald Alfred "Rewind" Peterson, 84, a longtime Crookston, MN businessman, died early Saturday evening, September 6, 2014, at RiverView Health in Crookston, with his wife, Betty, at his side. He had been battling illness for several months. Don was born on January 17, 1930 at Grand Forks, ND, the son of Peter A. and Minnie (Johnson) Peterson. He grew up in Grand Forks, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School with the Class of 1949. He attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks for a short time and then worked for Acme Electric. When the Korean War started Don enlisted in the US Army on March 4, 1951, serving stateside with the Signal Corps at Camp San Luis Obispo, CA for most of his tour. His sweetheart, a young Crookston girl by the name of Betty Lorraine Paasche, joined him at San Luis Obispo where the two were united in marriage on July 12, 1952. Following his honorable discharge from active duty on March 3, 1953, Don and Betty settled in Crookston and Don founded his business known as Crookston Electric in 1954. It was from these days of selling motors, and refurbishing some by rewinding them that he gained the nickname, "Rewind." This became how everyone for miles around affectionately knew him. During these early years of married life Don and Betty were blessed by the births of daughter, Deborah, in 1955, and son, Gregory, in 1958. In 1964 Don moved his business to a new location in Crookston and expanded it to include the sales of Honda motorcycles. He sold so many he earned two trips to Japan which he gave away. In 1979 Don changed the business over completely, going away from motors and dedicating it entirely to motorcycle and marine sales, and naming it Crookston Marine. He took great pride in creating the 3rd largest Glastron boat dealership in the world. Based on sales Don and Betty received trips to Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Brazil, and Mexico. As a dealer for Mercury boat motors as well, Crookston Marine ranked in the top 10% for sales among all Mercury dealers in the US and Canada for 5 years running. In 1986 Don sold the business, and three years later started Crookston Boat Mart. He successfully operated that business until retirement in 1993 after a long and very rewarding career. Great sadness was visited upon Don, Betty, and their family with the passing of daughter, Debbie, on May 6, 2010 after a courageous battle against cancer. Professionally Don served on several advisory boards for Coleman and Mercury Marine; was elected to the Mercury Dealer Congress for 5 years running; and was an Ambassador for the Lund Boat Company. Don was a devoted member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and also held memberships in Eagles Aerie 873, American Legion Post 20, the Crookston Lions Club, and the Order of Elks. He became very involved with the entertainment and building committees of the Crookston Golden Link Senior Citizens Center and served on the Board for many years, including 3 terms as Board president. He provided leadership and support to the statewide chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as several other youth organizations. He had many favorite pastimes throughout his life, including fishing, hunting, playing golf, keeping his yard and flower gardens immaculate, and of course settling in at the card table for the 'occasional' game of Smear. Don loved Betty and his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids with all his heart and dedicated his life to them. He will be missed beyond measure. Don is survived by Betty, his beloved wife and best friend of 62 years; their son, Gregory Peterson of Alexandria, MN; 6 grandchildren: Troy, Hollie, Kendra, Jessica, Jonathan, and Madison; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Clarice Kuhlman and Marjorie Lennox of Grand Forks, ND; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Kathy Peterson of Erskine, MN; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends. In addition to his daughter, Deborah Wenner, Don was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Minnie; and 3 brothers: Orville, Morris, and Chester. Blessed be the memory of Donald Alfred "Rewind" Peterson.



A memorial service celebrating the life of Don Peterson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Jo Gast, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston with military honors provided by the Crookston Veterans Council.

Online registry:

www.stenshoelhouske.com



"DON PETERSON DIED--BOAT FOR SALE."

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

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Service
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
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Tuesday, September 16, 2014