Verner Peterson

Verner Peterson, 80, Bismarck, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2010, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 13th at First Presbyterian Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Jake Kincaid officiating. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a time of sharing will begin at 7:00 p.m. Vern was born September 10, 1930, in Heimdal, North Dakota to Scandinavian immigrants Sigrid Fisketjon and Gustav Petterson. Vern attended Arne School until his family moved to Fargo, where he graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1949. Shortly after high school, Vern entered the Air Force and was stationed in Alaska. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, Vern moved to Bismarck and worked for the Worker's Compensation Bureau. In 1959, Vern married the love of his life, Colleen Carol Kusler, and together they raised their family, traveled the world, and celebrated 51 years as true partners in their walk through life. In 1962, Vern began his 30-year career with Blue Cross, Blue Shield, serving first as a sales representative and then, for many years, as District Manager. Vern was respected by his co-workers for his ability to solve problems, motive others and build consensus. Vern's positive spirit and optimism characterized his professional as well as his personal life. Vern's favorite pastime was helping others. Whether he was camping, fishing, hunting or just puttering around the house, Vern always found a way to be energetically useful, and to make those around him feel special. His kindness, generosity and big heart brought joy and comfort to many. He had an acute sensitivity to the needs of others and was always there when you needed him. Children were especially attracted to Vern, and he was so proud to have been an active participant in his grandchildren's lives. To the end, Vern's most enduring characteristics were his gentle spirit, ready smile and eagerness to compliment others. Life was fun when Vern was around, prompting his family to name a dance after him! Vern is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter Beth Dr. Jim Hughes, Bismarck, and his son John Julie Peterson, Aurora, Oregon; his grandchildren Caity Hughes, Minneapolis MN, Andrew Hughes, Kelowna, BC, Canada, step-granddaughter, Jessica Bangs, Aurora Oregon, and his twin sister Verna Strand, Helena, MT. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Leslee Doug Smith, Bismarck. Vern was preceded in death by his brothers Carl, Albert, Axel and Ernest Petterson, and his sisters Ruby Booker and Ruth Watson. Vern's family wishes to thank the staff at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for the kind and thoughtful care they provided Vern over the last nine months. Memorials in Vern's honor may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association of North Dakota, or a charitable organization of the donor's choice.

Verner Peterson

September 10, 1930 - December 6, 2010