Eldred G. Peterson, 91, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

He was born March 12, 1923, on the family farm in Udolpho Township, Mower County, Minnesota, to Bernhard Olaf and Gustina Minnie (Ingvalson) Peterson. Eldred was raised on the family farm and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School. On Oct. 29, 1950, Eldred Peterson and Orline Ruhter were united in marriage at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Waltham, Minnesota. The couple raised five children. He made his living farming, growing crops, and raising dairy cows and hogs for slaughter. He was a life-long member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Eldred also belonged to the Gideons International Society distributing bibles to local hospitals and hotels. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking, and was especially proud of his replica of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Eldred’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eldred is survived by his wife Orline Peterson of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; his children: Gilman (Patricia) Peterson of New Richland, Minnesota, Delmar (Barbara) Peterson of Blooming Prairie, JoAnne (Randall) Smith of Hokkaido, Japan, Merlin (Denice) Peterson of Toppenish, Washington, and Rodney (Teresa) Peterson of Owatonna, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; his sister Mervis Keckhafer of Hayfield; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bernhard and Gustie Peterson; and one brother, Tilford Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lindsay Stolen officiating. Interment will follow at Red Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.