Burton Orvin Peterson, age 86 of Northfield, died on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis surrounded by family members.

Burton was born in Northfield Township, Rice County, Minnesota on October 23, 1921 to Christian Nels and Bertha (Berg) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Northfield. Burton attended old District 75 rural school, graduated from Northfield High School in 1939 and attended St. Olaf College until he became ill due to Undulant Fever. Burton was very active in 4-H and the rural youth organization. He showed beef and hogs at the Minnesota State Fair and Junior Livestock Show and won many awards. He farmed with his father for several years until he took over the family farm. He married Helen Wegner on October 6, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Northfield.

Burton was an active lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church where he served as church president and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a lifelong farmer who took special pride in the stewardship of the land. He was passionate about promoting the dairy industry. He was president of the Northfield-Rice Holstein Club and director of the Farmer Co-operative Elevator. He served for many years on the American Dairy Association promotion board, Mid-America Corporate Board, and the Minnesota Dairy Promotion Council.

Burton was a bank director for 21 years with the bank now known as Community Resource Bank, was a Northfield School Board member for two terms, served on the endowment committee for St. Peter's Church, the fundraising committee for the Northfield Senior Center and served on the United Way. He also was a Rotary Club member and enjoyed singing with the Troubadours.

After his sons took over the family farm operation, Burton and Helen enjoyed traveling with friends to many different states and countries. He loved dancing to the sounds of the "big bands" at local ballrooms. Burton was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Gophers. He enjoyed playing 500 and dominos. He loved to amuse friends and family with his endless Ole and Lena jokes. Burton loved spending time with his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Helen of 51 years; 5 children: Sue Wilberts (Chris) of St. Paul, Chris (Marcia) Peterson of Northfield, Brian (Mary Peterson of Northfield, Julie Ploetz (Scot) of Rush City and Bruce (Carol) Peterson of Northfield. Twelve grandchildren include: Megan, Tyler, Becca, Andrew, Maren, John and Sam Peterson; Laura, Logan and Lyrik Wilberts; Cody and Conner Ploetz.
3 sisters and 1 brother: Esther Bradstreet of Wallingford, CT, Carmen Grove and Arly Boyum of Northfield, Curt (Lu) Peterson of Edina and brother-in-law Wally Schmidtke of Morristown. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Verna Schmidtke, brother-in-laws Charles Bradstreet, Jerome Grove, Stan Boyum and nephew Bill Wegner.

The funeral was held Saturday, Jan. 5 at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Northfield, MN.

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