Donald J. Peterson

Donald J. Peterson, 75, of Granite Falls, formerly Bird Island, MN, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Granite Falls. Memorial Service was held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hector with interment in Hector City Cemetery.
Donald Jon Peterson was born on Sept. 9, 1950, in Tracy, MN. He was the son of Willard Donald and Helen L. Peterson. Donald was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota, MN. He received his education in Minneota Public School and was a graduate of the Minneota High School Class of 1968. Donald furthered his education at Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Pipestone, Minnesota, where he studied Agri-Banking for 16 months.
On Nov. 17, 1979, Donald was united in marriage to Penny Jo Silker at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hector. This marriage was blessed with two children, Cassandra and Andrew. Donald and Penny Jo resided in Bird Island, Minnesota. They shared 42 years of marriage until the passing of Penny Jo on May 30, 2022.
Donald was employed at Frandsen Bank in Bird Island, Minnesota as a Banker and Loan Officer. He retired in 2013. Donald was a member of Bird Island C&C and served as the United Fund Treasurer. He was also a member of the Renville County Fair Board and served on the First Evangelical Lutheran Church Board.
Donald enjoyed weekend farming, traveling, deer hunting, spending time with his dog, and taking pride in his 1954 Chevrolet and Farmall H tractor. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Donald passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Granite Falls at the age of 75 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Donald is survived by his children, Cassandra Peterson of Granite Falls, Andrew Peterson and his wife, Makayla, of Granite Falls; siblings Keven Peterson and his wife, Helen; and Jodell Kessler and her husband, David; mother-in-law, Mary Silker; and many other relatives and friends.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Helen Peterson; wife, Penny Jo Peterson; and father-in-law, Don Silker.
Arrangements by the Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector