Wallace Dean “Wally” Peterson, 72, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., died unexpectedly on Monday, July 29, 2013, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by his loving family, due to complications from his fight against cancer.

Wallace was born Nov. 19, 1940, in Blooming Prairie, the son of O.E. and Toni (Tollefson) Peterson. Wally graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1958. He worked at Ressler’s Bowling Alley setting pins. Wally received an associate’s degree from Dunwoody Institute. On Aug. 6, 1960, he was united in marriage to Barbara J. Smith at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. His first career took Wally and his new bride to Chicago, where he worked for the former Capital Airlines. Wally and Barb returned to Blooming Prairie, where his love of all things mechanical took him to Ulland Brothers. He was also employed with Hormel Foods in Austin. He was self-employed as a farmer, and most recently a co-owner of Southern Minnesota Sales in Blooming Prairie. Wally enjoyed life, especially spending time with his family and his morning coffee group at the shop. He also enjoyed cars, airplanes, Ford trucks, 4-H softball games, dirt track and NASCAR racing, and playing cards.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Peterson of Blooming Prairie; son Greg (Linda) Peterson of Medford, Minn.; daughter Kristen (Kent) Wilker of Owatonna, Minn.; four grandchildren, Michelle (Matt) Dempsey, Tiffany Peterson (special friend Jesse Hernandez), Chad Wilker and Abby Wilker; three great-grandchildren Noah Peterson, Kortney Dempsey, Maveda Peterson; sister Patricia Peterson of Oregon; nieces, nephews, cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Orland ‘Joe’ and Toni Peterson, his brother Ronald, sister-in-law Beverly Peterson, aunts and uncles.

Wally will be remembered by many for his big heart, sense of humor, quick wit and genius brain. He has a huge smile on his face now as he has been reunited with his dog Jake.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, with Pastor Charlie Leonard officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Blooming Prairie Cancer Fund or to recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.