Richard Jerry “Rich” Petersen
Richard Jerry “Rich” Petersen was born January 18, 1942, in San Bernardino, CA, to Millard and Rose (Schones) Petersen. He graduated from Omaha North High School in Omaha, NE. After school, Rich went on to become a third-generation farmer as well as a land surveyor for over 50 years.Rich was formerly married to Mary Ellen Merchlewitz, and they had seven children: Richard Jr., Rosanne, Jodell, Jamie, Mary Sue, Thomas, and Traci.Rich was known for his strong work ethic, independent spirit, and deep knowledge of the land. Whether he was farming, surveying, restoring equipment, or sharing stories from history, he took pride in a job well done.He later married Marie (Daniel) Boland on August 10, 1996, and they enjoyed nearly 30 years of marriage. One of the greatest joys they shared was spending their winters in Arizona, where they were snowbirds for the past 31 years. The friendships they made and memories they created there became a treasured part of their lives together.Rich enjoyed Native American history, visiting historical markers and historic battle-fields, competing in and watching tractor pulls, searching for antique tractors, camping, and spending time with family and friends. His quiet strength, determination, and love for family will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.Rich is survived by his wife, Marie "Maria"; his children, Richard Petersen Jr., Rosanne Petersen, Jodell Ehlenz, Jamie (Patrick) McDonald, Mary Sue (Mike) Glomski, Thomas Petersen, and Traci (Todd) Holtorf; as well as stepchildren Lisa (John) Moyer, Brian Boland, and Shannon (Michael) Kempe.He is further survived by his grandchildren: Jerry, Jesse, Richard, Merissa, Sheala, Makella, Luther, Logan, Levi, Ryan, Owen, Alex, Aquila, Felisha, Molly, Matthew, Mitchel, Maxwell, Cooper, and Chase; step-grandchildren Josh, Riley, A.J., Ma-son, Mitchell, Ripley, Trina, Gavin, Peyton, and Emma; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Wayne Petersen.He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sonja Petersen; his brother, Russell Petersen; his son-in-law, J.P. Ehlenz; and two grandsons, Hunter Holtorf and Andrew Petersen.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha, Minnesota. Interment will be at Greenfield Cemetery in Kellogg, Minnesota with a luncheon to follow at St. Agnes Hall in Kellogg, Minnesota.Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha and one hour prior to the funeral service.Services are entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Cre-matory, Wabasha, Minnesota. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at Abbott Funeral Home's website.
