Funeral services for Gerald W. Petersen, 91, of Alden will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. The Rev. Greg Ofsdahl will officiate. Interment will be at Carlston Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Alden American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Gerry died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at St. John’s Lutheran Community surrounded by his family.

Gerald William Petersen was born June 25, 1924, in Albert Lea, the son of Hans William and Emma (Skov) Petersen. He grew up in Carlston Township, Freeborn County and attended and graduated from Alden High School. Gerry served his country, enlisting in the United States Navy and Army. On March 11, 1951, he was united in marriage to Doris Darlene Jergenson at Liberty Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa. Gerry and Dori made their home in Carlston Township where they farmed for many years.

Gerry continued to farm until his 75th birthday. Gerry served on the school board and was the treasurer for Carlston Township Cemetery. He had a love for farming, woodworking, planting trees, learning about history, feeding and watching the birds and squirrels, and delivering Winnebago motorhomes. Most of all, Gerry enjoyed time with his family and going to activities for the kids and grandkids.

Survivors include his children Paulette (Carl) Rasmussen, David (Shari) Petersen and Susan (Dan) Reindal, all of Alden; seven grandchildren, Angela (Jason) Schmidt, Melissa Rasmussen, Jason (Kristin) Petersen, Joshua (Anita) Petersen, William (Angela) Petersen, Heath (Diana) Reindal and Tana (Jason) Christensen; seven great-grandchildren, Noah and MacKenna Schmidt, Ashlyn Petersen, MaKayla Knutson, Lilah and Charlotte Reindal and Oakley Christensen; sisters-in-law Violet Hoeg and Lavonne Jergenson; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dori; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Norman (Wilma) Petersen and Kelsey (Lavonne) Petersen.