Palmer K. Peterson

Palmer K. Peterson, “PK”, age 94 died peacefully on May 29, 2020 at New Perspective in Cloquet, MN. He was born at home on October 3, 1925 in rural Pelican Rapids, MN to Luella and Knute Peterson. Palmer graduated from Pelican Rapids High School, Moorhead State University, and completed a Master’s degree from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

His teaching career in MN included Clinton, Brown’s Valley, and Cloquet. He was primarily a chemistry teacher, and many of his former students respected him as an instructor and loved his sense of humor. Along with his distinguished teaching career, Palmer also served as Emergency Management Director for Carlton County until the age of 70.

Palmer’s faith was expressed in many ways as a Gideon, and he enjoyed preaching at many area churches and handing out hundreds of Bibles.

Palmer married Lavaine Jacobson on June 15, 1952. They shared 65 years of marriage and lived most of their married life in Scanlon, MN. Together they were active members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Scanlon. Palmer enjoyed sharing his faith and would often fill in when the pastor needed to be gone. Palmer’s sermons were insightful teaching lessons and enjoyed by many.

Most summers were spent taking the kids on camping trips out West, and Palmer and Lavaine’s love for camping continued well into their 80’s. Palmer was often seen in his yard hitching up the Shasta trailer behind his pick-up truck to begin another camping adventure.

Palmer was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lavaine, in 2017.

Palmer is survived by one sister, LaVonne (Clarence) Schott and their daughter LaFay (Bob) Dillon of Kirkland, WA. He is also survived by four children, Candyce (Keith) Jutila of Cloquet, MN, Kent (Christine) Peterson of Eugene, Oregon, Sheila (James) Held of Duluth, MN, and Laura Peterson of Franklin, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Amy, Brian, Nathan, Peter, Eric, Patrick, and Kathryn; five great grandsons, Colin, Alex, Braden,Tanner, and Kaiden.

Palmer’s family would like to thank the friends and caring staff of New Perspective and St. Croix Hospice for their dignified and compassionate care.

A small, private, family prayer service is being held. Memorials and condolences may be sent to Candyce, Sheila, or St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Palmer may be honored by memorials to the Cloquet Education Association, New Perspective, the Gideons, or St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Esko, MN.