Harris Peterson

Harris E. Peterson, 85, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo. Harris Edwin Peterson was born May 27, 1925, in Minot, North Dakota, son of Carroll and Elizabeth (Johnson) Peterson. At the age of 12, his family moved to Fargo and Harris attended Roosevelt Elementary, Agassiz Junior High, and Fargo Central High School. On March 13, 1943, at the age of 17, Harris left his senior year of school and enlisted with the Marines to join the World War II Asia Pacific theatre efforts for his country. Harris served in the 4th Marine Division and participated in action on Roi Namur Islands in February 1944; at Saipan, Marianas Islands in June and July, 1944; at Tinian, Marianas Islands in August, where he was wounded; then he landed as part of the first wave on blue two blue beach on Iwo Jima in February of 1945 where he served through March in the deadliest battle in the history of the United States Marine Corps. He has honorably discharged in October of 1945, but was recalled to active duty in 1950 and served into 1952 as a trainer for the Korean War conflict at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA. Harris was the recipient of a Purple Heart, a Presidential Unit Citation with bronze star for service in Saipan and Iwo Jima, World War II Victory Medal, Asia Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze battle stars, and a National Defense Service Medal. After his return to Fargo, Harris’s passion for working with people kept him going for many years. His career started with the Veteran’s Administration in Fargo; he was then a US Postal Service letter carrier for 27 years. He then determined he was not ready for retirement and joined Western Protection as the head of security at the Cargill Seed Processing Plant in West Fargo for 23 years, and finally retired in 2003 at the age of 78. In 2001, the Fargo School Board awarded Harris his honorary High School Diploma as one of the first to be given to veterans in the state of North Dakota. He met Mary Rueckert of Ayr, ND and they were married at American Lutheran (now Peace Lutheran) Church in Fargo, ND on October 2, 1954 and they made their life in North Fargo with their son Paul. Harris was president of Peace Lutheran Church in 1960 and taught Sunday school for many years. In addition to being active members of their church, they enjoyed outdoor activities, summer vacations and being with family and cousins. Harris was not only very dedicated to his family, he was also very dedicated to his country and to those who fought to defend our great nation. He was truly part of the greatest generation and worked hard to ensure that veterans’ benefits would be protected and to educate Americans about the price of freedom. Harris was founder of the North Dakota Iwo Jima Veterans Association, he was a State Commander of the Disabled America Veterans (DAV) in 1967-1968, former post commander life member of the Fargo VFW Post 762, a past President of United Patriotic Bodies, and was a lifelong member of the DAV, American Legion and Marine Corps League. His dedication spanned not only across the military organizations, but extended into many North Dakota political relationships to ensure benefits and facilities were available to veterans, and worked within the community to help the younger generation appreciate and understand patriotism. He organized Memorial Day parades, talked with editors of local papers, and was interviewed by news stations on many occasions. He proudly shared his story and reminded us of those who dedicated and gave their lives to protect our freedom. He was a humble hero and touched so many lives. He was the man on the street who said hi to everyone, and always had a twinkle in his eye because he enjoyed and appreciated life. He was truly proud and he was truly a Marine. Harris is survived by his loving wife, Mary; son, Paul (Paula) Peterson, all of Fargo, ND; brother, Charles (Muriel) Peterson, Loveland,