Roman Peterson, 101

Roman Peterson, 101, passed away peacefully on Aug. 17, 2016, in the comfort of his home with his family by his side.

Roman was born in New England, N.D., on Nov. 10, 1914, the second of four sons born to Halvor and Emma Peterson. Roman grew up near New England in the Daglum community where his parents homesteaded. At a young age he began working on the family farm with his father and three brothers, even driving a team of four horses dragging and seeding wheat with a 12’ drill by the time he was just 9 years old.

With a hearty laugh, Roman would recall memories of the many pranks and shenanigans carried out by a young Roman, his brothers and the neighbor boys who acted as his accomplices. He married Lillian Pederson on June 25, 1944, and in 1947, they moved to a newly purchased Bluff Dale Stock Farm in Almont, N.D., which had been homesteaded by Lillian’s parents. Roman and Lillian raised two children and were married for 56 years before Lillian passed away in 2000.

Throughout his time in North Dakota, Roman was a farmer, rancher and an active member of the Almont community where he was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. In 2010 he moved from his home in North Dakota home out to Hayden, Idaho, to be closer to his two children. During his six years in Idaho, Roman made many friends and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Roman came from a long line of Norwegians and he attributed his longevity to hard work, eating a good breakfast (usually Kellogg’s Corn Flakes or Wheaties), having lutefisk and lefse every Christmas Eve and lots of Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses! He was in excellent health, had a good mind and memory and enjoyed visiting with friends over coffee, going out to eat, taking walks and winning at rummy!

Roman was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; his parents, Halvor and Emma Peterson; his brothers, Gilman, Noble and Stewart Peterson. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Suzanne Peterson of Rathdrum, Idaho; his daughter, Lynn Purcell of Hayden, Idaho; his granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Ron and Allison Andrews-Fenske and great granddaughter, Evelyn Andrews of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.

A celebration of life services will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Hayden, Idaho, Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. Please visit Roman’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com and sign his guest book.