On the morning of Sunday, March 18, 2012, Peter Joseph Dieser Sr., 91, left this earth to join family and friends. He passed away at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, Minn. surrounded by his loved ones.

Peter was born May 7, 1920, in Topeka, Kan., to John Dieser and Barbara Kippes, migrant workers who moved around southern Minnesota before settling in Austin. Peter served in WWII and then returned to Austin and worked with the Hormel Company for 46 years, claiming “he never worked a day in his life,” fitting in card games with his numerous friends during lunch. On May 5, 1956, Peter was united in marriage to Clarice Schradle. He loved to fish, hunt, and exercise. When asked, his key to longevity was to ‘keep moving.’ He was always in the middle of a project. He also loved growing tomatoes and hot peppers on the shoreline of his home in Park Rapids. Many cherished his smile and quick wit.

He is survived by his two children, Peter (Wendy) Dieser Jr. of Mound, Mary (Steve) Pooch of Marine; five grandchildren, Jill Dieser, Peter Dieser III, Megann Dieser, Andrew Pooch and Abby Pooch; two brothers, Joseph (Margaret) Dieser and Adam (Shirle) Dieser both of Austin, Minn.; and one sister, Madeleine Filer of Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarice; brothers John, Henry, George, and Albert; sisters Kate, Anne, Betty, Barb, and Mary.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church on Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. with Father Tom Friedl officiating. Interment will be made in the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids. Military Honors will be conducted by the Star of the North Marine Corps League. The casket bearers will be Peter’s grandchildren: Peter Dieser III, Jill Dieser, Megann Dieser, Andrew Pooch, Abby Pooch and nephew, Jim Butler. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with a rosary service held at 7:30 p.m. and for one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the church. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided for all. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.