Mark D. Peterson

Mark D. Peterson Age 72 of White Bear Lake Passed away peacefully on October 18, 2020 surrounded by family. Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Bernadine. Mark is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary; his children, Kris (Bob) Miller and Dan (Sarah) Peterson; his grandchildren, Tyler and Lauren Miller, Noah and Maria Peterson; and his sister-in-law, Kate Holland. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22nd from 4pm-6pm at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Private Mass and burial on Friday the 23rd at 11:00 am. Although the Mass is private, Mark's family encourages you to attend virtually via livestream link: https://www.churchofstpiusx.org/spxlive Memorials preferred to Sharing and Caring Hands, The Church of St Pius X or Second Harvest. Mark was the son of an Air Force Pilot and an Executive Secretary. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and his early years lived in Japan and Germany. His family settled in Shoreview, MN and he attended school at St. Odilia, Mounds View High School and graduated from the University of St. Thomas. Mark worked at State Farm where he met his future wife, Mary. They married in August of ’69 and were blessed to have Kris in ’71 and followed by Dan in ’73. They established their home in White Bear Lake where they raised the kids, made friends and were active in church, sports and in the community. During this time Mark discovered his love of cooking after Mary gave him a Weber grill for Father’s Day. His skills in the kitchen went from burning hot dogs to his famous rigatoni, much to Mary’s delight. Over the years everyone in the family gained a few pounds. His recipes were so sought after that he created his own cookbook for family and friends. Mark enjoyed hobbies where he was able to be amongst people and also had a bit of a competitive side. He played golf on Wednesdays with his buddies at Oneka Ridge Golf Course, bridge with friends for entertainment and word games with Mary to keep the mind sharp. Fishing was a passion that Mark did with his family and friends. He was continuously trying to catch “Walter Jr.”, who the family dubbed as the “big one”. We are hoping Mark has success in finding Walter Jr now. Upon Mark and Mary’s retirement they were fortunate to enjoy some travel time with each other and family and friends. They traveled by plane, boats and cars to the East Coast, Florida, Alaska, Texas, canyons out West and Canada. They loved sharing experiences, food, sites and companionship along the way. When it came time to find a volunteer Mark rarely declined his services. He coached both Kris and Dan’s softball and baseball teams when they were young, was a Den Leader for Cub Scouts, served on the Parish Council for several years, Eucharist Minister, Greeter and Usher at church, helped Mary extensively with the gardening at Saint Pius X and participated in Habitat for Humanity to name a few things. Mark had a big heart and a wonderful sense of humor in which people enjoyed being around. Most important was his family. Mark was dedicated to Mary and proud of his children and grandchildren; Tyler, Lauren, Noah and Maria. He spoiled Mary with his love and affection for her, she was his everything. He was the kind of father that was always supportive of his kids and could always be counted on to be by their side. He loved making his grandkids “specials”, which was a secret drink only Grandpa could make. He was kind, funny, smart, giving and loving and will be greatly missed.