Vernon H. Peterson, 84, of Pine Island, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Vernon was born on Jan. 21, 1932. He grew up in Renville, Minn. He married Beverly Kulberg of Hector, Minn., on May 17, 1958. They lived in St Louis Park, Minn., Excelsior, Minn., Omaha, Neb. and Tulsa, Okla., before moving to Pine Island in 2008. Vernon served in the Army from January 1953 to December 1954. He worked more than 30 years at LP gas companies in Minneapolis, Omaha and Tulsa. Vernon was an active volunteer in the community and his church. He enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, woodworking, bridge and square dancing. With all of those he enjoyed coffee. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Hilda Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his sisters, Harriet (Henry) Freiborg and Marlene (Alfred) Santjer; three sons, Bryan Peterson (Toni Jett) of Coon Rapids, Minn., Gary (Gail) Peterson of Rochester, and Neil (Traci) Peterson of Omaha; daughter, Gail (Mike) Walton of Davenport, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. There will be a funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pine Island. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. An additional memorial service in Renville is pending. The family would prefer memorials be sent to St, Paul Lutheran Church, Pine Island.