Brian Leon Peterson

Brian Peterson, 77, of Minnetonka, MN, passed away on March 25th, after a valiant battle against esophageal cancer for 4 years. He passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Hospice comfort care, with Sue, Stephanie & Jessica holding his hands. His suffering is over now & he is at Peace.

Brian was born on January 27th, 1948, to Pete and Gladys Peterson in Breckenridge, MN. After Brian graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1966, he went on to attend Wahpeton Science School & Moorhead State University majoring in Business. After graduating with a degree in Business, Brian worked in men’s retail clothing as Salesclerk & Midwest Buyer for Sterns in Wahpeton, ND. He later worked in sales & software in Minneapolis & Seattle. Brian was a very hard worker.

In 1968, Brian married Sue. Brian and Sue went on to have two daughters, Stephanie, and Jessica.

Brian was born & grew up in Breckenridge, MN. His childhood memories were riding his bike to the Wahpeton pool & spending many hours swimming, playing in the woods with friends, & ice skating. Brian was a “sun worshiper “and spent many hours at the pool. He also enjoyed playing league basketball, a little golf, and a lot of tennis. Brian was a lifelong Timberwolves fan and later in life became a Minnesota Wild fan. He also loved going to the gym & working out. One of Brian’s most treasured adventures in life was his trip to his mom’s birthplace, New Zealand, with his sister, Judy, and Mom, Gladys. In the later years Brian enjoyed Cocoa Beach with Sue & good friends. He always loved nature & the outdoors all his life. Brian had a love for birds, especially Hummingbirds. He was dedicated to the upkeep of many bird feeders on Sue and his deck.

One of Brian’s greatest joys in life was making people smile. He was known for his laugh, and unique sense of humor. There were so many good times at the lake “Tiki Bar” where Brian enjoyed making his infamous martini’s! Brian was a huge music lover, especially the Moody Blues, and Pink Floyd. He had a collection of hats and Hawaiian shirts that were a staple of his personality. Most of all Brian loved spending time with his family, 5 grandkids & close friends. He was devoted to his dog, Babe, who he walked 3x a day.

Brian is survived by his wife, the "love of his life", Susan; Children Stephanie (Devin) Christianson and Jessica (Mike) Pearo; grandchildren Hunter, Lark, Hailey, Taylor, and Luke; and many other beloved family and friends.

Brian was a kind- natured man of gentle demeanor, and he always made everyone around him feel valued. He will be missed greatly by many, but he will always be with us through the many wonderful moments and memories that will forever be a part of our lives.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Donald Hansen, sister-in-law Linda O'Donnell, nephew Russel Cadry, and "the best dog ever", Babe.

A service celebrating Brian's life will take place at Bradshaw, 3131 Minnehaha Ave S, 55406, on Saturday, April 12th. Visitation will take place at 2:30, followed by a celebration of life at 3:30. Immediately following the service please join us for food and refreshments.

In honor of Brian’s love for Hawaiian shirts, please feel free to wear one to the service.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to research for esophageal cancer at the American Cancer Society.

As I become part of infinity, do not grieve for me, for I have loved life so fully...lift up your hearts and celebrate our shared memories. 

Fill your thoughts with remembered joy, and I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.