Richard J. Peterson, 50, of Austin, Minn., died Thursday, March 7, 2013, at his home.

Richard was born July 26, 1962, in Minneapolis to Tilferd and Annabel (Espe) Peterson. He grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1980. He then served in the United States Army from August 1980 to August 1982, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. He worked at Brick Furniture until 1993, and then went to work for Hormel Foods Flavoring Department at the Annex, where he was employed until his death. On Sept. 6, 1984, he married Tara Gemmel in Austin. They were later divorced. On June 16, 1995, he married Kari Mytten in Las Vegas. Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching the Minnesota Vikings, NASCAR, riding his motorcycle and target and trapshooting.

Survivors include his wife, Kari Peterson of Austin; children, Sara, Collin and Kyle Peterson, all of Austin; one grandchild, Maggie Olson, Austin; his twin brother, Roger (Candace) Peterson of Savage, Minn.; his sister, Mary (Pete) Hyland of Eden Prairie, Minn.; niece, Lillian Hyland of Eden Prairie; mother-in-law, Joyce (Craig) Lerum of Sioux Falls, S.D. He was preceded in death by his parents Tilferd and Annabel Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin with the Rev. Susan Li officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 11, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, with military rites by American Legion Post 91. The family prefers memorials be directed to the Richard Peterson Cancer Fund. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.