Dr. Peter Arnold Lommen Jr., 86, of Austin, Minn., died Sunday afternoon, Dec. 25, 2011, in La Crescent, Minn., surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 15, 1925, to Peter and Corena (Henry) Lommen Sr. in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1943. After graduating from high school, Peter served in the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946 as a staff sergeant. He flew weather reconnaissance as a radio operator and top turret gunner. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., with degrees in chemistry, biology, and psychology. He later attend the University of South Dakota Medical School that was founded by his grandfather, Christian Peter Lommen, and was attended by Peter’s father and uncle. After marrying Audre Rasmussen in St. Paul, Minn., he transferred to Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, where he graduated in 1955. In 1956, after his internship with Charles T. Miller Hospital in St. Paul, he joined his father’s medical practice in Austin. Doc Pete delivered 1,800 babies in his 40 years of practice. Although he was very dedicated to his patients, he retired in January 1996. After retiring, Peter traveled to 55 countries with his close friend and colleague, Wanda DuCharme. He loved to spend time at his lake home in Detroit Lakes, Minn., with family and friends. Peter was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway and the Society of American Magicians. He attended the Austin Noon Lion’s Club for more than 40 years. He was a poet, magician and a respected doctor who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include two sons, Peter (Elizabeth) Lommen of St. Charles, Paul Lommen of St. Paul; daughter, Kathryn Lommen of Detroit Lakes; two grandchildren, Ben and Matthew; two brothers, Robert (Jean) Lommen of Austin, Dean (Louise) Lommen of Naples, Fla., and Lakeville; sister, Helen (Jack) Moors of Lincoln, Neb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Corena Lommen; wife, Audre in 1969; brother, Morris Lommen; sister-in-law, Mary Kay Lommen; son in infancy, Matthew.

Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Kristi Koppel officiating. Friends and relatives may gather at Worlein Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin with military honors by American Legion Post 91. Dr. Lommen asked that memorials be given to Austin Noon Lions Club, the ‘USD Foundation’ (memo line should read “Dr. Peter Lommen Library Fund for Lommen Medical Library”), or St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.