Ervin H. “Pete” Petersen, 91, of Austin, Minn., died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

He was born Aug. 8, 1922, in Ruthven, Iowa, to George and Emma (Harris) Petersen. On June 27, 1992, Pete married Phyllis (Squier) Miller at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, where they remained faithful members. He served his country in World War II. Pete was employed by Hill Heating and Roofing, and held numerous other jobs around Austin. He was a member of the Moose Lodge for more than 50 years and held many offices there, including three times as governor. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Eagles Club, where he assisted with the Eagles Cancer Telethon. Pete held numerous positions at Our Savior’s as well. The most special people in the world to him were his 103 precious grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis, of Austin; his children, Carmel (David) Taylor, Judy Kamp, Mike (Merry) Petersen, Eddie (Lori) Miller, and Judy (Steve) Tabor, all of Austin; Leanne (Larry) Rand of Mason City, Iowa; Jeanette (Kevin) Slavik of New Prague, Minn.; Sherri McCarty, Patti Lang, Roger Miller, Lenny (Becky) Miller, and Phillip (Joanne) Miller, Austin; 30 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; siblings Delbert (Phyllis) Petersen of Sherburne, Minn.; Marjorie Rolfson of Austin; Floyd (Fran) Petersen of San Martin, Calif.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Emma Petersen; five brothers Ken, Dick, Russell, Roger, and Gordy; one sister, Leila Henley; three granddaughters and one grandson.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Military honors performed by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. In lieu of flowers, it is preferred that memorials be directed to the family. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.