John Peterson

John Philip Peterson, 89, of Motley and formerly of Staples, passed away January 2, 2018 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Motley with Pastor Greg Leslie officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

John was born January 15, 1928 to Harry and Mary (Bacon) Peterson in Staples. He attended Staples High School and was a three year letterman in football, basketball and baseball. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after serving with the 583rd Graves Registration on Okinawa. He married LaDonna Peterson in rural Staples on May 23, 1953. John began his career with the Northern Pacific Railroad, retiring in 1990 after 40 years of service. He was a past Commander of the American Legion Post in Staples and a member of the VFW in Apache Junction, Arizona.

He was active in the Masonic fraternity serving as a past Master of Crescent Lodge, Staples, past Worthy Patron of the Order of The Eastern Star and past Grand Lodge Custodian of the Work. He was appointed into the Grand Lodge Line in 1972 and held several offices until being elected Grand Master of Minnesota in 1981. He was also Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge in 1992 and was the recipient of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He was a member of the York Rite Bodiesin Brainerd and AAD Temple Shrine in Duluth.

John is survived by his wife; two daughters, Pam (Dave) Carlson of Eagan and Jan (Leigh) Mayer of Champlin; one brother, Robert (Darla) Peterson, of Staples and one sister, Joni (Ralph) Hvidsten, Mesa, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jim Peterson; two sisters, Lorraine Gilman and Donna Nash.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Masonic Charities.

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