Donald Gordon Peterson

Donald G. Peterson, Donny, Pete, Coach Pete, left us to go home to his Heavenly Father Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 6:15 a.m. due to heart failure. Don was born October 30, 1933, to father Carl O. Peterson and mother, Myrtle E. Aylsworth, the seventh of eight children.

Don grew up on the family resort, Sunny Spring Farm, on Lost Lake in Hackensack. His childhood was happy and busy, chores were many, friends and family numerous.

Don was full of stories which he loved to share of fishing exploits, teenage shenanigans, and practical jokes.

Don attended 12 years of school in Hackensack and one year at Bemidji State, before entering the Army. After serving two years in the Army that included time stationed in Germany, he returned home earning a teaching degree at Bemidji State University on the GI Bill.

Don married Roberta Brooke and they had two sons, Mike (1958) and Mark (1961).

In 1990, Don married Laurie Harper Wedge and they were blessed with 34 years and 4 months of marriage. They enjoyed years of traveling, horseback riding, fishing and lake and family time.

Don began his teaching career in Lakota, Iowa, teaching junior high math and science. He went on to teach high school biology, coached girls’ 6 on 6 basketball, and all other girls’ sports. He was eventually inducted into the Iowa High School Girls Basketball Coach’s Hall of Fame for his stellar career of over 500 wins. There are many former students who remember him fondly for the lessons he taught and the fun they had.

Don was a Christian who loved God and his church family. He was a caring and steadfast friend. People were in awe of his legendary wood pile which he maintained into his 91st year! He loved Minnesota sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings, with eternal optimism. He loved his pups and was seen each and every day taking them for a ride in his little red truck as he surveyed the neighborhood.  Harvesting wild rice was a fall ritual, even as partners became hard to come by. He loved novels of the old west and if a tv show had western scenery, that was good enough.  Don was satisfied by his life. He loved his wife. He had no regrets.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Laurie, and his two sons, Mark and Mike, stepdaughters Jennie (Brian) Rosonke, Rachel (Dave) Lofton, and Mollie Wedge (Ryan Oas). He was blessed with nine grandchildren Josh (Kristin), Sarah, Leah, Jonathan, Abby, Brianna (John), Christopher, Emma, Grace, and four great grandchildren, all of whom were dear to his heart. Also survived by sister Nancy Olson; stepbrothers Calvin and Lee Peterson; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Services will be held at Longville Bible Chapel, Longville, MN, at 11:30 a.m. on January 18, 2025. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Light luncheon to follow.

Old Woods Road

by Donald G. Peterson

Down an old woods road I like to roam.

One not very far from home.

Peace and solitude I find to clear the senses and the mind

On crunchy leaves I like to trod

To be alone with nature and with God

He has made all this beauty for us to inhale

So we can forget all our troubles and travail

If you want to ease your heart and soul

Just find the time to take a stroll

Down some old trail and you will see

What the Lord can do for you and me

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, Minnesota. 

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