Dwight Peterson

Dwight H. Peterson

Age 76 of White Bear Lake, passed away on August 16, 2024 at Cardigan Ridge Senior Living in Little Canada, Minnesota.

Dwight was born in Litchfield, Minnesota the youngest child of Enoch and Jeanette (Janet) Peterson. He attended Litchfield High School and graduated in 1966. After high school, he moved briefly to Chicago, Ill before settling in Minneapolis. He attended the University of Minnesota where he earned Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1970 and a Master of Social Work 1972. He was awarded a membership in 1980 to the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) and in 1989 the Minnesota Board of Social Work which authorized him to practice as a licensed independent clinical social worker. He also held a clinical membership in American Association for American and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Dwight's career was varied but always a calling to advocate those with mental illness and their families. He began his career at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas. Soon thereafter he settled in St. Paul and worked in a variety of positions at St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center (now Regions Hospital) and was part of the Ramsey County Crisis Team. After several years Dwight moved on to work with the Mental Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Also, at this time he opened a unique private practice serving individuals, couples and families with concerns from a family systems perspective. In the later part of his career, he worked several years at Anoka Regional Treatment Center. Most rewarding and fulfilling were utilization of his skills in crisis settings at Twin Cities emergency department hospitals including North Memorial, United Hospital, Abbott Hospital, and Mercy Hospital.

Dwight's dedication to his practice was evident in the teaching/coaching/mentoring of graduate students from the University of Minnesota and St. Catherine University. He shared his expertise at many seminars and workshops.

Dwight was a skilled clinician with compassion, commitment, dedication. He was well received by his clients as well as his colleagues.

Dwight was a social runner meeting up regularly with his buddies for 5K, 10K and even one Marathon! Several of these events were annual events and included 11 years running the Grantsburg, Wisconsin Syttende Mai 16.2 race and the Omaha Corporate run. In retirement Dwight enjoyed his daily workouts at the White Bear Lake YMCA, golfing with buddies, watching movies, and a good cup of strong coffee!

Dwight is preceded in death by his father and mother Enoch and Jeanette (Janet) Peterson, brother J.Philip Peterson, brother-in-law Emroy Bratland, and niece Kristin Hall.

He is survived by his sons Erik and Karl (Candie) and three amazing granddaughters Zoe, Molly, and Erinn; sister Marion Bratland, niece Juliann Rich and grandnephew Matthias, nephew-in-law Bruce Hall and grandnephew David and grandniece Kyleigh; brother Gordon Peterson (Pat) and nephews Tad and Phillip, as well as niece Kerstin Hanson and niece Suzanne Medina.

The family has planned a private memorial service.