Lowell J. “Jim” Petersen, age 84 of New Richmond, WI formerly of Scandia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at home surrounded by his family.
Lowell was born on August 7, 1931 in St. Paul to parents Cecil and Carolyn (Swanson) Petersen. He attended Roosevelt Elementary School and South St. Paul High School. He owned and operated a delivery business and gas station before he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1954. He earned the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Upon his return he owned and operated the Edgewater Resort on Lake Mille Lacs. Lowell married Caroline Chell on February 23, 1957 at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Caroline and Lowell were owners and administrators of the South Center Manor in Center City from 1972 until 2003. He was a former commander of the Forest Lake VFW and member of Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. Lowell loved four wheeling, fishing, hunting, traveling, bird watching, being with family and friends, mowing the lawn, telling jokes, laughing and storytelling. Lowell is survived by his children, Lowell Petersen, Jr.,of Forest Lake, Karrie Petersen of Plymouth, Eric Petersen of Taylors Falls and Gretchen (Brent) Minikel of New Richmond, WI; grandchildren, Kelsi, Lowell III, Krista and Kristopher Petersen; Blake and Colin Minikel, Dane Petersen, nephew Steve Petersen, special friend Norma Harm and many relatives and friends. Lowell is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Caroline; parents, Cecil and Carolyn and brother, Roger Petersen. Memorials may be directed to the Union Gospel Mission. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 15th at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. Visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 14th at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom and one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Interment 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 18th (Assembly Area #4) at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom. Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com