Vernon James Peterson

Vernon James Peterson, 91, of Brainerd, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin, MN. A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Friends are invited to view the celebration through the church’s live stream (www.blccnorth.org) Interment will follow Mass at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd.

Vern was born in Minneapolis on April 6, 1929 to Mary and Harry Peterson. He married Mary Ukasick on August 6, 1949 in Minneapolis.

Vern is survived by his 17 children: Joe (Terry) Peterson, Sue Peterson, Betty Peterson, Mike (Vicki) Peterson, John Peterson, Marge (Mike) Goldade, Jenny (Tom) Smith, Harry (Patricia) Peterson, Al Peterson, Gene (Mary) Peterson, Patty (Dan) Sellner, Mary (Keith) Engholm, Lisa (Arturo) Bringas, Lori Peterson, Irene (Mike) Branum, Theresa (Dan) O’Reilly, and Knute (Melanie) Peterson; 61 grandchildren, and 54 great-grandchildren. Vern is also survived by his brother Ken Peterson and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; infant daughter, Jayne; infant granddaughters, Isabella and Alisha; parents; and sisters, Harriet, Juanita and Irene; and half-brother, Gene.