REX PETERSON

Rex Wyatt Peterson, of Mora, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at his home.  He was 67 years old.

Rex was born in Shakopee to Clifford and Phyllis, and was the middle of three sons. Rex and his brothers had many legendary adventures. Who knew that you could put a goat on a roof or unintentionally dismantle the front porch of a convenience store? If you need tips, just ask the Peterson brothers.

When Rex was younger, his family moved to Prior Lake. There they ran a resort and managed Fisher Farm. As one can imagine, many more adventures ensued for the brothers. Rex graduated from Burnsville High School in 1975. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kim, who Rex said was “the nicest girl I’ve ever met, and the only one I ever, ever want to meet.” Yes, Rex’s children happened to find that written on an old photo. It was too cute not to share with the world. Sorry Mom. Rex started school at Dunwoody in Minneapolis, but being Rex - much like his celebrity double Ron Swanson - he quickly realized that he already knew everything that he needed to know. So he set off on his own and became a tool and die maker. He and Kim married in Burnsville on September 30, 1978. They were young, dumb, and in love. They settled in the Blaine area to start their family. In June of 1987 they moved to the countryside of Mora to continue growing and raising their family. They had three perfect children and three even more perfect sons and daughter-in-law (according to the children). In recent years, Rex added grandpa to his titles and was extremely proud of his absolutely perfect grandchildren, Brantley and Briggs. They could be found having legendary adventures with Papa Rex, cruising around in his wheelchair.

Rex loved creating beauty, from his drawings and paintings to his furniture, guitar making, and small woodworkings. His talent was sickening. Rex was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his late 30’s, but he didn’t let that stop him from bringing beauty into the world. Rex was also ridiculously hilarious. He raised his children on a steady diet of Laurel and Hardy, The Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, Monty Python, and Fawlty Towers. You can blame their father for their quirky sense of humor. Rex loved being in creation. He loved to go bow “hunting,” but he never shot anything. It was just a cover to enjoy the beauty of nature, particularly to watch the sunrise and sunset. But most of all, Rex loved his family.

Rex passed away at home, surrounded by his family. His family grieves deeply, while also celebrating that Rex is no longer suffering. He’s now with Jesus, completely healed, and causing a ruckus up in heaven, wheelchair-free. He will be forever missed and forever loved.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Phyllis (Mogensen) Peterson.

He is survived by his wife Kim; children, Darby (Dan) Swank of Minneapolis, Dana (Adam) Holscher of Fargo, and Nolan (Monique) Peterson of Waconia; grandchildren, Brantley and Briggs; brothers, Scott (Nelda) of Idaho and Eric (Sylvia) of Hinckley; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mora.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 30th at the Hamilton Funeral Homes - Akkerman Chapel in Mora and again 1 hour prior to service on Friday at the church.

A luncheon will follow the service at church.

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