Arlan Dean Peterson

Arlan Dean Peterson, 70, passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2024. Born on January 14, 1954, Arlan was the devoted husband of Ruth for 44 years and a proud and loving father to his five children: Nathaniel, Matthias, Annaliese (TC Pilson), Thaddeus (Megan Davidson), and Maryweather (Nick) Leavy. Being a grandpa was perhaps his favorite role in life, and he will be forever missed by his grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Arya and Beckett Helbacka-Peterson, Madeline and Margot Leavy, and Lennon and Roman Peterson.  

Arlan loved the outdoors, spending countless hours deer hunting and fishing, and he found camaraderie and competition in years of church league softball and his Tuesday night bowling league. He loved to chat to anybody who would listen, share stories (his kids will tell you he had a habit of repeating his favorites), and crack dad jokes. If there was a baby in the room he was first in line to hold it (and give it a head bonk—his signature move). Arlan was a devoted Twins and Vikings fan and rarely missed a game on TV or the radio. Maybe the Vikings will finally make it to the Super Bowl in his honor this season.  

After retiring from the Duluth Public Schools in 2020, Arlan enjoyed spending more time with his hobbies, including his annual fish fries with homemade tartar sauce, perfecting his meat smoking skills, making maple syrup, scrolling on Instagram for new recipes and his never ending quest to bake the perfect banana bread, especially for his grandchildren. Arlan was always helping someone, whether it was by giving them a ride, blowing their snow, or helping with home or church projects.  

Arlan was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mary Peterson; a nephew, Kyle Nienaber; and his faithful four-legged companion and shadow, Maisy-who would follow him around the yard and garage. He is survived by his sisters, Alvina (Jerry) Olson, Louella (Ron) Heckathorn, and Kristine (Kent) Nienaber; his parents-in-law, Arend and Verna Sandbulte; his siblings-in-law, Greg (Cherri) Sandbulte, Kristin (Jeff) Melby, and Rachel (Bruce) Ostrander; nieces and nephews Pam Olson, Chad Olson, DeeAnn (Jason) Pleuger, Julie (Dan) Noraker, Amanda Robison, Sarah (Ken) Marz, Drew (Lauren) Nieson, Aaron (Jane) Nienaber, Kayla (Tate) Hoglund, Joe (Lauren) Sandbulte, Jack (Brittany) Sandbulte, Nick Sandbulte, Matthew Sandbulte (Solveig Rennan), Arend (Emily) Melby, Emily (Dillon) Clements, Anders (Mariah) Melby, Kate (Zach) Wagner, Ben (Kaitlyn) Ostrander, and many great-nieces and nephews.  

Arlan will be remembered as a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures, and who loved deeply. He will be profoundly missed by Ruth, his children and grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Arlan's service will be live streamed on Thursday starting just prior to 11 am. To join the live stream, visit www.glenavonchurch.org. Under the "streaming service link", click on the "blue date" under Arlan Peterson Celebration of Life.

A celebration of Arlan’s life will be 11 am Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave, Duluth, MN 55803. Pastor Robyn Weaver officiating. Visitation at 10 am. Memorials to Glen Avon Presbyterian Church or the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, P.O Box 16222, Duluth, MN 55816, (www.slcrs.org) would be appreciated. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.