Clayton Petersen

Clayton Laverne Petersen went to be with the Lord June 12, 2024. He was born October 17, 1931 in Worthington, MN to Cornelius and Mary (Perkins) Petersen. Clayton lived with his parents and siblings on farms in Northwest IA. He graduated from Sibley High School in 1949. Clayton attended college at South Dakota State and received a degree in animal husbandry in 1954. Clayton was commissioned and called to active duty in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. In October of 1954 he did advanced training at Fort Benning, GA and served in Austria and Germany during the Allied Occupation of Europe. Clayton was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1956. He partook in an Honor Flight last September. He was married and had three children Yvonne, David and Brian. He worked for Hormel Foods from 1957 retiring after 39 years in 1996. He met his wife Ellen Petersen in Ottumwa, IA and they were married in April of 1984. In 1988 Clayton, Ellen, Stacey and Lori moved to Austin, MN where he resided the rest of his life. Clayton was raised in the Christian faith. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He loved the Lord and recognized himself as a sinner in need of God’s grace and forgiveness and believed Jesus died on the cross to save him from his sins. He is spending eternal life with Jesus in Heaven. Clayton was a 36 year member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. He loved his church and was very active. He served as president and vice president of the congregation and on many boards. He taught Bible studies for many years. Clayton loved his family very much and spent as much time as possible with them. Clayton could fix anything and took joy in helping others. He very much enjoyed helping his family. Clayton is survived by his wife Ellen Petersen, his children Yvonne (Steve) Alexander and Brian Petersen of Fremont, CA, David Petersen of Bellevue, IA, Stacey (Kristi) Rupe of Austin, MN, Lori (Jarred) Winkel of Suamico, WI. Grandchildren Nicole Petersen, Caresse and Marc Loski, Trevor, Hailey, Jason, and Aaron Winkel, Kylea and Sydney Rupe, great grandchild Evan Echevarria. Also, his father-in-law Norman West, sister Melva (Ron) Roos, Richard Petersen, Jerry (Linda) Petersen and Larry Petersen. He was proceeded in death by his parents Cornelius and Mary (Perkins) Petersen, sister Rosemary Meyer, mother-in-law Lillian West, brother-in-laws William Meyer and Bill & Arthur Shadduck, Ellen’s father Willard Shadduck and daughter-in-law Marie Petersen. According to his wishes, his body has been gifted to Mayo Clinic medical research in Rochester, MN. Services will be held June 18 at St. John’s Lutheran Church 1200 13th Ave. NW Austin, MN. There will be a visitation with family at 12:30 pm with a memorial service following at 2 pm. Pastor Bailey officiating. A private family burial will follow at a later date at the State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN. Memorials preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast or to the family.