Gary L. Peterson

Gary Lee Peterson was born in Cresco, Iowa on August 22, 1941 to his loving parents, Alvin and Alice (Reis) Peterson. He passed away on April 12, 2023 at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota.

He spent his childhood in Cresco and graduated from high school in 1959. During these years he held many part time jobs to fund his love of amateur radio- getting his license at the age of 13 and building his own radio. In June of 1959 he enlisted in the Air Force and spent four years in service to his country.

Upon his honorable discharge in 1963 he moved back to Cresco and started his career in radio and television. On September 5, 1964 he married the girl of his dreams, Gladys Seaton. She was his soulmate and supporter in all he did. During his career in the media he earned several awards. The most prestigious being an Emmy for television News Director. He also earned the Eric Sevareid award for investigative reporting. He was named Minnesota State’s Volunteer of the Year for Emergency Management.

During their life together, Gary and Gladys owned and operated a portrait studio for 30 years. They worked side by side as Medicolegal Death Scene investigators for the Medical Examiner’s office. He was elected to the Fillmore County Board of Commissioners and served 16 years. Gary deployed for several national Red Cross disasters and was also active in search and recovery of missing persons. His life was full and his Christian faith was dear to him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Calvin and Norman Peterson.

Surviving him are his wife Gladys of Spring Valley, two sisters Elizabeth Cahoon of Indiana and Debra Peterson of Stewartville, sister-in-law Gen Peterson of Cresco and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley with Pastor Jolene Knudson-Hanse officiating. Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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