Paul Vernon Peterson, 61, of Austin died at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis Thursday, April 8, 2010. 
He was born Nov. 11, 1948 to Vernon and Dorothy (Stern) Peterson in Austin. After completing his education, Paul joined the US Army in September, 1968 where he received training in Fort Gordon, Ga.  Serving in Vietnam, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Sharpshooter award. After an honorable discharge in December, 1971, Paul returned to Mower County where he farmed the remainder of his life. He belonged to St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the VFW and enjoyed farm shows, showing cattle and restoring old farm equipment.
Survivors include his sister, Sharman (Bill) Starman of Austin; brother, Gary Peterson of Vallejo, Calif.; nieces, Kelsey, Amanda and Terra; nephew, Scott; great-nieces, Catrina, Ava and Cassie; great-nephew, Jake; uncles, aunts and cousins. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Patty.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Ron Barnett officiating and military rites by VFW Post 1216 and American Legion Post 91. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel, Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D. 
Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com