Clifford E. Peterson

Clifford Edward Peterson, 93, of Park Rapids, formerly of St. Paul, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at his home. Cliff was born on February 27, 1923 in Minneapolis, MN to Albert and Marie (Hanson) Peterson. He was raised in St. Paul, MN and graduated from Harding High School in 1941. In 1942, Cliff was accepted into the Navy flight training program as an Aviation Cadet to become a Naval Aviator. Upon completion of his training, Cliff proudly served his nation in WWII on aircraft carriers in the South Pacific flying the Navy’s single bombers. After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1948. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Marian Parker, and together they raised two wonderful children, Rebecca and Greg. Also in 1951 Cliff accepted a job with the 3M Company, where he would work 32 years in the Treasury and Engineering Divisions until his retirement in 1983. In 1974, Cliff and Marian purchased a lake lot in the Sky Manor Aero Estates on Island Lake north of Park Rapids, MN. They chose this location because it had a private airport where he could continue to pursue his love of flying, a lifelong passion that Cliff enjoyed until he was 92 years old.  After retirement, they made this location their permanent home where they would enjoy many years of peaceful serenity together. Cliff is survived by Marian, his wife of 65 years; daughter Rebecca Renner; son Greg (Tina) Peterson; two grandchildren: Rachel (Gary) Knutson and Alissa (Jared) Reiman; brothers: Kenneth Peterson of St. Paul, MN and Bill Peterson of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Homer Renner; and sister Bernice Johnson. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 5-8 PM at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN. All are invited to attend. There will be a private funeral service followed by burial at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be given to St. Joseph’s Hospice of Park Rapids, MN. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com