Raymond Luther Peterson, 88, of Dexter, Minn., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Society in Austin.

Ray was born on May 11, 1925, in Dexter, to Clarence and Helga (Gunderson) Peterson. After graduating from Elkton High School, Ray served his country from March 1944 to July 1946 in the U.S. Marine Corp. He fought in battle at Iwo Jima with the Fifth Marine Division. On Dec. 31, 1949, he married Lila Lorraine Lee. Together they farmed outside of Dexter and raised their four children. Lila passed away in 1973. In November of 1975, Raymond married Shirley Linbo and he continued to farm until his retirement. In June of this year, Ray was admitted to Comforcare in Austin.

Ray was a lifelong member of Evanger Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Hayfield American Legion and served on the Land Bank Board of Directors. As an avid croquet player, few opponents met his match. In his retirement, he enjoyed his family, traveling, woodworking, reading and maintaining a beautiful yard. He instilled a sense of adventure and independence in his children. His love and devotion to his family and friends will be sorrowfully missed.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Lila, his parents, Clarence and Helga Peterson, brother, Clarence Peterson, Jr., and sister, Margaret Bjerke.

Ray is survived by his wife, Shirley Holtan Linbo Peterson, Dexter; children, Linda (Tom) Williford of Fuquay Varina, N.C.; Wayne (Kim) Peterson of Dexter; Lana (Ron) Martin of Clearwater, Minn.; and LuAnn (Bill) Freiberg of Eureka, Mo.; Stepchildren, David (Linda) Linbo of Rochester; Kerry (Debra) Linbo of Byron, Minn., and Brad (Diane) Linbo of Stewartville; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Ruth (Gene) Vermilyea of Stewartville; and brother, Martin (Ilene) Peterson of Rochester; sister-in-law, Maria Peterson, Rochester; cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, at Evanger Lutheran Church with the Reverend Dwight DoBell. Interment will be at Evanger Lutheran Cemetery with Hayfield American Legion in charge of military rites. Visitation will be at the church on Monday morning for one hour before the service.

Memorials are preferred to Evanger Lutheran Church – Building Fund, 33554 660th Avenue, Sargeant, MN 55973.

Blessed be his memory.