Douglas Dean Peterson, 87

Douglas Dean Peterson, age 87, of Austin, MN, passed away at St. Mark’s Living, on Sunday evening, October 13, 2024.

He was born on July 3, 1937, in Worthington, MN to Orvin M. Peterson and Hilda M. (Meir) Peterson. During his childhood he lived in both Luverne, MN and Worthington. In 1956, he graduated from Worthington High School.

In 1957, following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was trained as a military policeman and served in Okinawa until his honorable discharge in 1959.

In October 1961, he began a career in law enforcement as a Minnesota Highway Patrolman, later the Minnesota State Patrol. He was assigned to the Austin area of responsibility until his retirement 31 years later in October 1992.

On October 20, 1962, he married Linda J. Young in Worthington. Following their marriage, they lived and raised a family in Austin until her death on April 10, 2003.

On November 27, 2004, he married Donna J. Henamen in Lyle, MN. Both retired, he and Donna lived in Austin, later splitting time between Austin and McAllen, TX. Doug and Donna lived in Austin until his death.

Doug was preceded in death by his first wife Linda, parents, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. Survivors include his wife, Donna; son, Brett (Tina) Peterson of Lakeville MN; daughter, Melissa (Michael) McMillan of Victoria, MN; five grandchildren, Jordan and Evan Peterson, Audrey, Sam and Jack McMillan.

A memorial service for Doug will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The Rev. Kurt Klaus will officiate. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and/or Bears that Care (A non-profit charity operated by volunteers from the Minnesota State Patrol). Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.