Palmer Orlando Peterson

He was born Feb. 9, 1922, on the Peterson Family Farm in the Town of Nelson, a son of Theodore and Susie (Lee) Peterson. While he was growing up, he helped on the family farm along with helping the neighbors with their farm work as well. When Palmer was 18 years old, he went to work for Danny Gilmore as a milk truck driver in the Durand area, until he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the European Theatre across Germany and France, with the 3rd Infantry Division from 1944, until his honorable discharge in 1946. Upon returning home from his service to our country, he began working with the Nelson Co-op Creamery and J.G. Dill in Wabasha. In 1954, Palmer began a career as Buffalo County 2nd traffic officer. He retired from Buffalo County, as the Chief Deputy Sheriff in 1981. On Nov. 8, 1947, Palmer was united in marriage to Dorothy Jepsen Jensen at Grace Lutheran Church in Nelson. To this union, seven children were born. Palmer was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Nelson, serving on the church council for many years. He was also a proud lifetime member of the American Legion, Post 224, of Alma. Palmer was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, Palmer will be sadly missed by his wife of the past 68 years, Dorothy, of Alma; his children, Rebecca (David) Palmer of Aberdeen, S.D., Ronald of Eden Prairie, Minn., Patricia (Bob) Cusick of Olathe, Kan., Steven of Aberdeen, S.D., Rhonda (Fred) Reeser of Kiowah Island, S.C., David (Younghee) of Alma; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Elmer of Menomonie, WI. Besides his parents, Palmer was preceded in death by his brother, Russell; and his daughter, Bonnie. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at Grace Lutheran Church, Nelson, with Pastor Dennis J. Valleau officiating. Burial will follow in Nelson Cemetery, Nelson. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until the hour of the service Saturday, Nov. 28, at the church. in lieu of flowers, donations and/or memorials to Grace Lutheran Church would be appreciated.