Major Vernon "Pete" Petersen, retired, USAR, passed away on March 19, 2023 at the age of 96, in Ramsey, MN.

He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to many; a decorated WWII army veteran, a longtime respected teacher and coach at St. Paul Murray Junior/Senior High School, and an avid athlete.

He was born and raised in St. Paul, MN, the youngest of three children, and is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife (Violet) and grandson, Matthew Wilson.

He graduated early from Marshall High School and enlisted in the Army to do his part during World War II.  He fought with the CoC 21st Inf 24th Division in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, was part of the Philippine Liberation campaign and post war was stationed in Japan. He received two purple hearts and two bronze battle stars during his WWII service.

Post WWII, Vern proudly continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves and attained the rank of Major. During this time, he had the privilege to teach Command and General Staff subjects as an instructor at the 5041 st USAR school.

Athletics were an important part of his life. In high school he lettered in hockey, baseball, track and football. During his army years he became a champion golden gloves boxer. He had a particular love for baseball and played while attending the University of Minnesota.  He was recruited by a baseball scout and played minor league ball for several years for the original St Paul Saints and was eventually drafted by a major league team. Unfortunately, though, he was dating a woman at the time who didn't share his love of the game, and he decided to give up a professional baseball career. He regretted this throughout his life and often cautioned his grandkids to avoid similar mistakes. In his later life, Vern became an avid golf player and played a round with family and friends whenever he could.

Following WWII, he attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education.  He spent 28 of his 33-year teaching career in the St. Paul Public School system teaching health, Phys Ed and social studies at the Murray Junior/Senior High School (go Pilots!). Over the years, he also taught drivers ed, and coached many different sports. Towards the end of his career, he developed and implemented an impactful peer-mediation program. An article about the program in the St. Paul Pioneer Press noted that this occurred at a time when such programs were just starting to be discussed in the state and that "…students trusted Vern to help them think through and solve problems - sometimes little - like a boy or girl friend issue sometimes big, like a parent who was abusing chemicals.  Students sought him out because they trusted and valued his advice….".

Family meant everything to Vern. He loved his wife, Violet, dearly, and made sure that his children saw it and had an example to follow.  He was truly a great man and a great father and we will miss him terribly! He is survived by his children, Vernon, Lyle (Kathy), Robert (Kimberly), Laurie, Jeff (Nga), his 12 grandchildren and his 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services: Friday, April 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM; Visitation prior to services 9:00-9:40 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2742 Yellowstone Boulevard Anoka, Minnesota 55303.

Private burial service at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that in order to carry on Vern's belief that youth can and should be involved in helping solve important problems, donations can be made to Youthprise, a statewide program with headquarters in Minneapolis, www.youthprise.org .