Raymond Peterson

RAYMOND T. PETERSON

Raymond T. Peterson, 96, of Grand Marais, died Saturday May 5, 2012 at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.

He was born on August 16, 1915 to Alpheus and Hilma (Kadin) Peterson in Bovey, Minnesota. After graduating from Greenway High School in Coleraine in 1933, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corp. In 1941, he went to work for Oliver Iron Mining Company in Coleraine, until entering the military to serve in Italy during World War II. He was a maintenance mechanic for U.S. Steel Corp. from 1947 until retiring in 1977.

Ray married Doris Froisness June 9, 1956 in Moorhead, and they resided in Coleraine and Bovey, Minnesota until moving to Moorhead and Fargo in 1987. In April 2001 they moved to Grand Marais.

He is preceded in death by parents; wife, Doris; a brother, Reuben Peterson and a sister, Evelyn Saxhaug.

He is survived by step-daughter Sharon (Dick) Powell, grandchildren John (Jody) Powell and Ann (Keith) Clement, great-grandchildren Jeryn and Dylan Piehl, niece Regena Ploof, and nephews Richard Peterson and Delford Saxhaug.

Ray was fiercely independent and an insatiable traveler, perhaps the best customer of Arrowhead Bus drivers Mark and Bill. He took his final fall waiting for the bus after enjoying the most important event of every day--his standard breakfast served to him immediately and automatically by his friends at South of the Border CafAC., who then called the bus to pick him up and take him on his next errands of the day. Ray was regular patron of Chuck the barber, the kindly tellers at the credit union and the helpful folks at Arrowhead Pharmacy. He was able to live on his own at Sawtooth Ridges Apt. until his final day because of the watchful care of Missy and caretakers Barb and Randy, Chrystal and Chris and Harris and Mary; and regular visits from Home Health Care's Cindy, Sue and others. Laurie brought him groceries and Barb kept his home spotless. It was a comfort to Ray that whenever he needed the clinic, hospital or ambulance, he saw familiar faces who called him by name. And many thanks also to all the anonymous drivers who threw Ray's walker in your trunks and got him to his next destination or safely home. So many eyes in Grand Marais watched out for Ray and provided him a safe harbor. Thank you.

As Ray wished, no services will be held.