We lost contact and regained after several years….I will miss and never forget 💔 you my kind friend ❤
Douglas Petersen
July 19, 1957 – December 26, 2024

Douglas Herbert Petersen was born on July 19, 1957 to Herbert and Shirley (Gillispie) Petersen in Northfield, MN. Doug was the 3rd of seven siblings and spent his childhood living on a working dairy farm. Doug graduated from Northfield High School in 1975, where he lettered in Football & Baseball.
Doug went on to attend Saint Cloud State University, where he met his future wife, Joann Bue. Doug graduated with degrees in English and Finance in 1982. Doug also spent formative years during his 20’s serving in the Navy, achieved the rank of PO2, E-5, and was stationed at Dahlgren Navy Base in Virginia as an Aegis Systems Instructor.After his time in the service, Doug reconnected with Joann and they married on July 12, 1991. They moved to Bloomington, MN and welcomed their daughter, Riley Michelle, in August 1993 and their son, Christian Herbert, in January 1997.
Doug went back to school, taking night classes at Metro State University, and received a degree in Accounting. He worked for numerous private businesses during his 35-year career as Controller & CFO. He truly loved joining an organization, improving their internal accounting & procedures, and then moving onto the next challenge.
Doug’s two children were his pride and joy. He was a beloved father who supported all his kids’ various extracurriculars. He also developed a passion for coaching and umpiring, primarily baseball & softball, and many in the community knew him as Ump or Coach.
In 2017, Doug fulfilled his dream by retiring early and living on a lake when he & Joann moved to Lake Koronis near Paynesville, MN. During retirement, Doug enjoyed all his hobbies including boating, golfing, napping, hunting, and fishing. He was always up for a game of darts, Bananagrams, cribbage, or poker. He was most often found working on the daily crossword puzzle, fixing whatever needed a little DIY, enjoying a stiff drink, or chatting with loved ones near & far.
Doug passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 26, 2024 in Paynesville, MN at the age of 67. Doug was an organ & tissue donor upon his death and was cremated per his wishes. Loved ones will host a celebration of life in Doug’s honor and lovingly invite all who knew him to attend, more details to come.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; Herbert and Shirley, parents-in-law; Clayton & Norma (Ochs) Bue, and close friends Robbie Barsness, Jeff Barsness, Jose Alberio, & Stanley Ross.
Doug is survived by his wife, Joann, and two children, Riley and Christian. He is also survived by his siblings; Pam (Dave), Terry, Loren, Marilyn (Dan), David (Amy), & Becky (Marc), nieces & nephews; Anna, Cassie, Brent, Rachel, Caleb, Amanda, Chloe, Spencer, & Tegan, aunts; Geraldine & Arlene (Neil), uncles; Gene (Sig), Russell, Curtis, and Kevin (Bonnie), cherished cousins, neighbors, and friends. He will be dearly missed.
Guestbook
To my best friend in the world. I wish I would have visited you in the Fall on 2024. I shall your many calls. Between the two of us we entertained each other. I wish I would have recorded our calls, they gut wrenching laughs on so many occasions.
I will miss you until I see you again. Keep the the humor rolling in heaven.
Dear Chris and family, my condolences 🫶🌹🇩🇰🇺🇸 to your father, thank you for being really good to Mads 🌹🌹
My Deepest Sympathy to Doug’s family. Hold tight to all your wonderful memories.
I was knew him for many years from church confirmation class and school.
I’m sorry for your loss Joanne. Praying for you today. Take care. Daryl Knudsen
I met Doug when he was going to college at SCSU. He was always good for a good story or tale. He was always there if you needed to talk. We didn’t talk much later in life, but always knew if I needed to talk, he would pick up the phone. He will be missed.
Enjoy heaven my good friend. I’ll see you when I get there.