Neil Winston Peterson

Neil Winston Peterson of Golden Valley, MN passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, surrounded by family.

Born May 11,1942, in Greenbush, MN to Raymond and Florence (Wollin) Peterson, he was raised on the family farm near Karlstad, MN alongside sisters Barbara, Beverly, and Mary.

Upon graduating from Karlstad High School in 1960, he moved to Minneapolis to work and attend Dunwoody School of Technology. He graduated in 1964, earning a degree in Drafting and Estimating. Following two years of service in the Army, from 1964-66, Neil embarked on his lifelong career at Northern Woodwork (NWI) in Thief River Falls, MN where he worked as an estimator, eventually becoming part-owner.

On June 9, 1968, Neil married Linda Anderson at First Lutheran Church in Karlstad, where they made their first home and welcomed their three children, Jason, Kelly and Alison.

In 1976, they moved to Thief River Falls. There they built the home where they raised their family to adulthood and made Redeemer Lutheran their church home. While living there, Neil took up golf and, although he was a novice, managed to score a hole in one at a club tournament!

Upon retirement in 2010, they moved to Golden Valley to be closer to family. Valley of Peace Lutheran Church became their new congregation, and they gained many more friends in their new community.

Neil loved music and was involved in all the church choirs as well as serving on councils and committees forming many enduring friendships. He also enjoyed being able to watch his children and grandchildren participate in music, golf, volleyball and hockey.

Neil is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda; son, Jason (Karen) Peterson; daughters, Kelly Peterson and Alison Suko; grandchildren, Hanna (Logan) Boese, Olivia (Jordan) Mernaugh, Gavin Peterson, Kittson Amdall, and Taylor Suko; one great-granddaughter, Finley Boese; sister, Barbara Kammen; sister-in-law, Carole (Jerry) Kapus; brother-in-law, Terry Anderson (Jean Bierwirth) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Florence Peterson; in-laws, Raymond and Evelyn Anderson; sisters, Beverly Peterson and Mary Peterson; and brother-in-law, Bryce Anderson.

Neil will be fondly remembered for his attention to detail, keen sense of humor, love of music, and immense pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. 

Neil's life will be celebrated with services being held at Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr, Golden Valley, MN on Monday, June 1 at 2:00pm, with visitation held one hour prior. Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity, an organization Neil proudly supported.