Ronald A. Peterson

Ronald (Ron) Arvid Peterson of Welch, MN, a cherished man known for his kind, loving and caring personality, left us unexpectedly on November 9, 2024, at the age of 77. Ron lived filled with a tremendous passion and joy for life, often exclaiming “I love it! I love it! I love it!”

Ron, the eldest of six children was born on April 4, 1947, to Carl and Myrtle (Johnson) Peterson in Welch, Minnesota. Ron was one of the hardest workers that you would ever meet. His early jobs, which he held down while in school, included working at Donald Olson’s farm in Welch and Welch Village Ski Area. In 1965, he graduated from Red Wing High School and went on to work for Kann Construction. Ron served in the United States Army Reserves and continued his career with Siewert Construction in Red Wing until his retirement. Ron built a countless number of homes in Red Wing throughout his career.

Ron met the love of his life and beloved wife, Bonnie Josephson. The two were married on May 29, 1971 and were inseparable for over 53 years. They created many memories while enjoying vacations, spending time with family and friends and welcoming their three children, Jonathan, Daniel and Jennifer. Ron and Bonnie provided their children and grandchildren with all of the love, comfort and stability a family could ask for. Family is everything.

While Ron enjoyed working construction, he was always a farmer at heart. He took great pride in living on the farm in Welch. He loved working outdoors and teaching his children and grandchildren how to build things and about life on the farm. He taught them about the importance of family and instilled in them the value of hard work. 

Ron’s talent for bringing people together extended beyond family gatherings. He took great joy in starting and attending the Peterson Plowing Bee and continuing the tradition 20 years. He will be remembered for his amazing memory, entertaining stories, strong will, unwavering determination & dedication and love & support for his family and friends. Ron had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences: farmer, carpenter, family man - he could fix or build anything. Whatever he did, he was all in!

Ron will be greatly missed by his wife of over 53 years, Bonnie, their children, Jonathan (Rebecca) Peterson of Welch, Daniel (Sara) Peterson of Lake City and Jennifer (Marshall) Flom of Kenyon, and nine grandchildren, Kandace (Casiano) DeMars, Linn, Carl, Jamison and Camden Peterson, Mackenzie Randall and Abby Peterson, Cole and Josie Flom, his siblings, LeRoy (Gail) Peterson, Lloyd (Julia) Peterson, Janis Rolli, James (Rob Gambone) Peterson and Robert (Julianne) Peterson, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Myrtle Peterson. His father-in-law and mother-in-law Richard and Grace Josephson, brother in-law Everett Rolli, sister in-law Carol Krie and brother in-law Jerry Krie.

Funeral service will be 11 am. Monday, November 18, 2024, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church rural Welch with Reverend CJ Boettcher officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church.

While Ron left us far too soon, the impact he had on the lives of those who were fortunate enough to meet him will be felt forever reminding us that we control our joy for life. He will be remembered for his ability to make anyone feel at home and all of the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it. His love of life will never be forgotten.