Watch Allan's Funeral Service

Allan Peterson, age 90, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, in Mahnomen, MN, surrounded by his loving family.

Allan Harvey, the son of Carl and Nora (Bjerkley) Peterson, was born at home in Fossum Township on December 12, 1933.  He was raised on the family farm and attended country school. Allan later graduated from Crookston Ag School and enlisted in the United States Army, serving some of his time in Germany. After connecting at a local dance, Allan fell in love with Lorraine Bjerken and the couple was united in marriage on August 13, 1955, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen.  Following his honorable discharge in 1956, Allan and Lorraine made their home on the family homestead where he continued the legacy of farming.  He ran the farming operation, with Lorraine right by his side, for over 40 years.  They handled the daily tasks of the dairy cattle while also raising beef and grains.  They were blessed with four daughters and were delighted as their family grew, over the years, with grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Allan was also very active with the Fossum Township Board, the St. Olaf Church, and St. Olaf Cemetery.  Allan was proud to have been a lifelong member of St. Olaf, where he was baptized, confirmed, and remained active until its closing, after which he joined First Lutheran Church.  In his spare time, Allan enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, riding 4-wheelers, and dancing.  He spent many hours watching his grandchildren's sporting events and taking part in their activities.  After selling the cattle and renting out the farmland, Allan especially enjoyed their daily trips to the Red Apple Café for coffee.  He was quiet and soft spoken but truly cherished his close friendships.  He liked a good conversation and lively card parties with the neighbors. Allan was patient, kind, and always helped others in need.   Although his health was failing, Allan's goal was to remain at home and, with the help of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley, he was able to achieve this until 6 days before his death.  Allan entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home receiving necessary full-time care from the gentle and compassionate staff.  His precious memory will live on through all those who knew and loved him.

Allan is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Twin Valley; four daughters: Carol (Dave) Kvidt of Detroit Lakes, MN, Susan (Mike) Kasprowicz of Moorhead, MN, Barbara (Dennis) Gerlach also of Moorhead, and Kathy (Charles) Varty of Twin Valley; grandchildren: Jeremy (Kristen) Kvidt, Sarah (Patrick) George, Anne (Ken) Slaymaker, Nick (Laura) Boreen, Andy (Megan) Kasprowicz, Eric (Darcy) Kasprowicz, Emily (Shane) Evert, Lisa (Tyler) Mayfield, Jason Gerlach, Steve (Lindsay) Varty, Tom (Kelsey) Varty, Jane (Riley Partlow) Varty; great grandchildren: Morgan Boreen, Gretta Boreen, Braeden Kvidt, Miles George, Lucy George, Haley Kasprowicz, Brenna Kasprowicz, Lexi Kasprowicz, Payton Evert, Parker Evert, Jack Varty, and Alec Varty; sisters-in-law: Marcy Peterson, Jean Hanson, Darlene McArthur, and Gloria Freund; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edgard and Carmen Peterson; one sister, Bernice Christensen; a brother-in-law, Donald Christensen; and one sister-in-law, Lenora Peterson; as well as some of Lorraine's siblings.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 5, 2024, at First Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  Burial will take place at St. Olaf Cemetery, Faith (rural Twin Valley), MN.