Rueben Dehn Petersen

ROCHESTER, MINN: Rueben D. Petersen, 89, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Maple Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rochester. Rueben was born October 1, 1923 on the family farm in Olmsted County to Peter and Randi (Moan) Petersen. On February 26, 1972, Rueben married Margaret Bilderback Nelson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. Rueben worked on the family farm until he sold it in 1964 and moved to Kasson and bought The Friendly Tavern. Rueben had the tavern until 1968 then moved to Rochester and began working as a laborer in the construction industry. While working construction, Rueben worked on the Post Bulletin, Baldwin Building, St. Marys Hospital, Charter House and many other buildings. Rueben was baptized and confirmed at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his garden and working in his shop. Rueben is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; daughters, Margaret Peg Mink of Rochester, Pamela (Kevin Staloch) Petersen of Oronoco; stepsons, Richard (Janice) Petersen of Moberly, MO, and Lyle (Rita) Nelson of Red Wing; 6 grandchildren; 6 step grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 11 step great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Rueben was preceded in death by his daughter, Eileen Boyum Leighton; parents; 6 brothers and 1 sister. Funeral services will be held 11:00am Friday, December 21, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, with Rev. Jason Bryan-Wegner officiating. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00pm Thursday, December 20, 2012 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com