Dale Peterson
January 25, 1933 ~ January 5, 2020
Dale E. Peterson, 86, Fargo, formerly of Grafton and Galchutt, died Sunday, January 5, 2020, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo surrounded by family.
Dale was born January 25, 1933, in Wahpeton, ND, the son of Arnold and Clarice (Bolstad) Peterson. He attended school in Galchutt, ND, graduating in 1950. He served in the US Army, Armored Tank Division, and was deployed to Germany. On August 16, 1958, he was united in marriage to Eileen Olson. They made their home first in Fessenden, ND, and later in Grafton, ND. They moved to Fargo in 2008 and split their time between Fargo and their lake home on Big Floyd Lake, near Detroit Lakes, MN.
Dale received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Valley City State College in 1957. He earned a master’s degree in Business Education in 1966 and subsequently obtained his administrative credential, both from UND.
A lifelong educator, Dale began his teaching career at a country school in rural Colfax, ND, followed by a year in Colfax. He spent six years in Fessenden, ND, as a business education teacher and high school principal. In 1963 Dale and Eileen moved to Grafton, ND, where he was employed as a business education teacher for 3 years and then Jr. High principal, from which position he retired after 22 years.
During his years in Fessenden, Dale enjoyed bowling and golfing and coached several sports. In Grafton he served as secretary of his bowling league for many years. He enjoyed following Spoiler sports and served as scorekeeper for over 1000 boys and girls basketball games. Dale loved to collect coins and go on fishing trips as well as play cards, taking part in both bridge and poker groups. In later years he enjoyed spending many winters in Arizona, making casino runs, keeping track of the stock market, and playing pinochle and other card games with friends and family.
Dale is survived by his wife Eileen; daughter Pam Fisher, Grand Forks, ND; son David (Kelley) Peterson, rural Glyndon, MN; grandson Grant Fisher, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren Brooke, Ben, and Claire Peterson, rural Glyndon, MN; sisters Marilyn Baumann, Mesa, AZ; LaVonne (Odell) Berg, Grafton, ND; and Patti Rose, Grafton, ND; sister-in-law Verna Peterson, Mesa, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harlan Peterson and Laverne Peterson, brothers-in-law Kenny Baumann and Ed Rose, and nephews Lynn Berg and Curtis Rose.
Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo, ND. A second service will be held at a later date in Grafton, ND.
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So sorry for your loss. Barb Johnson Lynee Meier’s mom.
Our sympathy to you. We enjoyed Dale’s company in many actives during our years together in Grafton. He was a competitive Bridge player, faithful member of GLC and good administrator at GHS. Bless his memory.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing principal and always so sweet when I saw him. He will be missed.
I always liked and respected Dale he was my principal and later a fellow bowler my sympathies to his family
So sad to hear of Mr. Peterson’s passing( I could never call him Dale, even as I got older). Nice man and neighbor. Our sympathies to Eileen, Pam, David and families.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dale. He was my teacher for several businesses classes at GHS. He always had a big smile on his face! I saw him this past summer here in Grafton…..and again he had that big smile and a hug for me, even with all his medical difficulties. May all your wonderful memories of Dale now become your precious treasures. My sympathy to Eileen and all the family. Special thoughts are going to my good friend LaVonne, his sister.
We have the fondest of memories of Dale, who welcomed a young sportscaster to Grafton and, later, a photographer into his school. He was a wonderful man who will be missed. Our condolences to Dale’s family and friends. Steve and Linda
So sorry for your loss. I remember him at the school. A nice man. God be with you and give you strength at this time.
My condolences, I remember your dad from the good old days when we were hard to handle.
My Deepest Sympathy to the Peterson family.
It saddens me to hear of Dale’s passing. Our sympathy to Eileen, Pam, & David. Dale was willing to take a chance on hiring a young teacher to fill a math position, which jump started my career as an educator. For that, I had the utmost respect and admiration for Dale. He truly was my mentor. Dale will be remembered & missed.
Thanks for all the fun times. We will miss you.Hod and Del
Our deepest Sympathy to you and your Family, Eileen. We cherish the memories of our friendship that has extended for so many years. God Bless the memory of your beloved Husband.