Dewayne Stanley Peterson

DeWayne's tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/KHL48QN8Q2YCJGSB

You may view the livestream of DeWayne's funeral service here: https://vimeo.com/event/2792785

DeWayne S. Peterson of Fargo, 93, passed away on January 12, 2023, at Essentia Health with joint care by Hospice of the Red River Valley and surrounded by family.

He was born May 13, 1929, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, the youngest son of Christ and Hilda (Grefsrud) Peterson. He grew up on the family farm near Rothsay, attending school at District #78 and Pelican Rapids High School, where he enjoyed being an athlete. After high school, DeWayne attended NDSU and became a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, which fostered life-long friendships. While in college, he was in ROTC, which would eventually bring him to serve in the Korean War in active combat areas. Although his dreams of being a pilot would not be fulfilled, DeWayne was extremely proud of his service and could often be seen wearing his favorite veteran’s hat.

On a blind date in December of 1950, DeWayne would meet his future wife of 66 years, Arlene Nelson. When DeWayne returned from Korea, he would start work as a mobile home salesman for Pierce Homes. Seeing his potential for bigger things, his supervisor encouraged him to pursue a career over a job, which led him to be an employee of North Dakota Job Service for 32 years. Starting out in Devils Lake with a short stay in Grand Forks, where he earned his Master’s degree at UND, his career would lead them to Bismarck in 1965, where they raised their children, Kent and Sheri. DeWayne’s final role with ND Job Service was Director of the Job Placement Division. During his tenure, he was recognized with the Glenn R. Dolan Award for outstanding contributions to the field of counseling. In addition, he would later receive the Member Emeritus Award from the ND Association for Counseling and Development. After retiring, Arlene and DeWayne moved to Fargo to be closer to their extended family. Arlene passed away in 2018, and DeWayne continued to live independently in their home, occupying his time by participating in many activities until he entered the hospital for the last time. DeWayne’s love of sports also kept him busy, following the Twins, Vikings, Bison, and Gophers.

DeWayne was a true gentleman with kindness, curiosity, and a genuine zest for life that was incredibly unique to him. Focusing on faith and family, he was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. His presence will be profoundly missed by all that had the great fortune to be a part of his life.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Arlene; son, Kent; daughter, Sheri Bjorgan; brothers, Orrin, Clifford, Randy and Cyril Peterson; sister-in-laws, Genevieve Peterson and Delilah Peterson. He is survived by son-in-law, Steve Bjorgan; sister-in-laws, Marge Peterson and Clarice DePaolis; brother-in-laws, Earl (Wilma) Nelson, Wayne (Sylvia) Nelson, and Alfred Nelson; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Olivet Lutheran Church elevator fund, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or a charity of your choice.