Eldon Oren Peterson

Eldon Oren Peterson, age 87, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Mankato. Eldie as he was known by friends and family was born March 10, 1936 on a farmhouse outside St. James, MN to Carl and Selma (Westman) Peterson. He attended both elementary and secondary school in St. James, graduating in 1954.  He attended Mankato State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1958, and a master’s degree in 1963. As a lifelong learner, he continued his post graduate work until1990.  As a teacher he taught in Welcome, MN, Fairmont, MN before moving to Mankato. For 33 years he taught at Lincoln Jr. High and Mankato West Jr. High.  When he retired from teaching, he continued to support student teachers at Mankato State and Gustavus Adolphus College.  An educator at heart, he remained in contact with many of his former students.

Eldie and his wife Barbara were married on June 24, 1961, in Blooming Prairie, MN. Together they raised their three sons and enjoyed attending all the activities that come with raising children. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending sporting events, camping, playing golf, hunting, fishing, meeting his friends for coffee at Hy-Vee, wood working, and watching MN sports. He was inducted in the St. James Hall of Fame. He treasured spending time with his family, teaching his grandchildren the art of a good teasing, and a fierce game of cribbage.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Steven (Chris) Peterson, Michael (Beth) Peterson, and Patrick (Lisa) Peterson; grandchildren, Rachael Peterson, Alec Peterson, Charles Peterson, Emily Peterson, and Maria Peterson. He was preceded in death by his siblings; Malinda (Marvin) Kubly, Darline (Herbert) Ludke, Donavon (Marjorie) Peterson and Marlin Peterson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park.  Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association.