Richard Allan Peterson

Richard “Rick” Peterson, 71, of Willmar, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home in Willmar following a 42-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Pennock. Interment will be at Salem Covenant Church Cemetery near Pennock. Visitation will be from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Richard Allan Peterson was born January 22, 1955, in Benson, Minnesota, to William and Dolores (Broberg) Peterson. He grew up and attended school in Kerkhoven, graduating from Kerkhoven-Sunburg High School in 1973. In high school, Rick was a gifted athlete and participated in football, basketball, and baseball. Following graduation, he attended Willmar Community College and Moorhead State University, where he continued playing baseball.

In 1977, Rick began his career as a Blue Cross–Blue Shield agent in Pennock. He retired in the late 1990s due to his MS. On August 28, 1991, Rick married Sandra “Sandy” Lein. They made their home in Pennock and later moved to Willmar in 2007.

Rick was very active in baseball and played for the Norway Lake Lakers for several years. After he was no longer able to play, he continued his involvement by managing the Lakers and serving as a youth baseball coach in Pennock. In his younger years, he also enjoyed golfing and hunting. More recently, Rick enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables in his garden and driving his scooter around his yard.

Rick volunteered for the Red Cross Bloodmobile for many years. He always looked forward to his Tuesday morning coffee gatherings with friends, and his family would like to thank them for their many visits over the years.  Despite his health issues, Rick never complained and always had a positive attitude, often stating, “I’ve had such a good life.”

Rick is survived by his wife, Sandy; a stepson, Adam (Karen) DeLaMartre; his siblings, John (Diane) Peterson, Ruth Ann Ashburn, Marcia (Allan) Rice and James (Kathy) Peterson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dolores Peterson.

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