Gary Peterson, 81

Aug. 22, 1941 —
April 12, 2023
 
FORMERLY OF CRESCO - Gary Lee Peterson, age 81, formerly of Cresco, Iowa, passed away on April 12, 2023 at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, Minn.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minn. with Pastor Jolene Knudson-Hanse officiating. Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com
Gary Lee was born in Cresco on Aug. 22, 1941 to his loving parents, Alvin and Alice (Reis) Peterson. 
He spent his childhood in Cresco and graduated from high school in 1959. During these years, he held many part time jobs to fund his love of amateur radio — getting his license at the age of 13 and building his own radio. In June of 1959, he enlisted in the Air Force and spent four years in service to his country.
Upon his honorable discharge in 1963, he moved back to Cresco and started his career in radio and television. On Sept. 5, 1964, he married the girl of his dreams, Gladys Seaton. She was his soulmate and supporter in all he did. During his career in the media, he earned several awards, the most prestigious being an Emmy for television, News Director. He also earned the Eric Sevareid award for investigative reporting. He was named Minnesota State’s Volunteer of the Year for Emergency Management.
During their life together, Gary and Gladys owned and operated a portrait studio for 30 years. They worked side-by-side as Medicolegal Death Scene investigators for the Medical Examiner’s office. He was elected to the Fillmore County Board of Commissioners and served 16 years. 
Gary deployed for several national Red Cross disasters and was also active in search and recovery of missing persons. His life was full and his Christian faith was dear to him.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Calvin and Norman Peterson.
Surviving him are his wife, Gladys of Spring Valley; two sisters, Elizabeth Cahoon of Indiana and Debra Peterson of Stewartville, Minn.; sister-in-law, Gen Peterson of Cresco; and several nieces and nephews.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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