Vernon H. Peterson

Vernon H. Peterson,

Age 96, of Cottage Grove, passed away at home on October 30, 2023. Vernon was born and lived in St. Paul, Minnesota for a good part of his life and at 17 years old he began a long journey serving in the USNR during World War II. During his time in the Navy, he was a radar man. He also enjoyed being an amateur radio operator.

For a lot of Vernon’s life, he was a dedicated traffic engineer for the city of St. Paul but he was also a Special Deputy Sheriff for Ramsey County. Vernon also worked for the State Fair for many years using his skills as a traffic engineer to help them keep the roads and walkways safe.

Vernon enjoyed snow birding to Florida in his later years when he could and he was also actively involved with the VFW and the Masons around the Twin Cities and in Florida. He was also an avid pilot in his free time.

Vernon is preceded in death by parents, George and Irene Peterson; sister, LaVaun Krause (Paul); and his wife, Frances Peterson. He is survived by his children, Steven Peterson, Carolyn Knight (Dan), William Peterson; grandchildren, Amy Wilkins (Tim), Lisa Blevens (Brent), Ana Mitchell (Jesse), Tracey Knight (Christopher Zullo), Chris Knight (Beth); great grandchildren, Bayli Johnston (Peter), Dominique Fitzgerald, Kyli Fitzgerald (Bethany Schneider), Brady Knight, Blake Knight, Gavin Blevens; and great-great grandson, Vance White III.

A memorial service will be held for Vernon on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 at 11:00 AM with a one-hour visitation prior at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80^th St. S., MN 55016) with a burial following at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.