John William Peterson
September 19, 1938 – June 18, 2023
John (Jack) William Peterson was born in St. Paul, MN. He passed away on away Sunday, June 18, 2023 at his home.
Raised in Southwestern Minnesota where he participated in track as a high jumper, and football from 7th grade through High School. Graduated from Mankato State College
Worked as a teen in the family propane business, raising to #1 salesperson by the time he left in the late 60’s when he moved into sales position selling newly emerging electronics to stores like Target, Zaires, Service Merchandise, and Five & Dime stores traveling through the upper Midwest making sales calls. In the early 80’s Jack moved to the Chicago area and quickly became a senior partner in Allied Marketing, a Sales and Marketing organization, selling to Sam’s, Costco, and several other membership clubs.
Jack retired from Allied marketing after almost 20 years of spectacular growth in the industry. He and his wife moved to Florida in 2004 and spent the next 12 years as “snowbirds” before enjoying Florida year-round. Being of a very generous nature, Jack’s avocations included participating and establishing new AA groups; teaching Junior Achievement in middle schools; He developed and facilitated a small group men’s bible study at his church, assisted with the renovation of a local rehabilitation center, he rode, competed, bred and showed quarter horses, raised beef cattle He enjoyed his assortment of fruit trees and bushes and spending quality time with his multi-generational family.
Jack is survived by his wife of 37 years, Merle; daughters Lorilyn C. Peterson Delk and Elizabeth A Peterson Janus, Step daughter Kerry E. Castillo (Vincent) and step son C Keith Miller (Bonnie); grandchildren John T. Delk, Eva-Grace K VanSomeren (James), Sarahlyn M Dunham (Jacob); Katrina L. Astillero (William), Natalie E. Hardy, and Carl K. Miller (Victoria); great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn VanSomeren, Warren VanSomeren, and Elliot Dunham; and brothers James Peterson (Karen) and Gregory Peterson.
Services will be held in Florida in the fall.
