Todd Peterson, age 84, of Redwood Falls, passed away peacefully Monday, December 15, 2025, surrounded by his wife, daughters, and several grandchildren. He spent his final moments holding hands with his wife and listening to his family remember and play the music he shared with them over the years. A Memorial Gathering will be held 2:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls, MN. Celebration of Life will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at the 4 Season Shelter on Robin’s Island, Willmar, MN. A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Gil-Mor Nursing Home for the loving care that Todd received while he was there. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Todd Willard Peterson was born on October 20, 1941, to Dr. Willard and Irma (Simmons) Peterson in Minneapolis, MN. He was 5 years old when the family moved to Willmar, MN. Todd cherished his memories of growing up in small town Minnesota and talked often of those times with fondness and love – often reflecting about a childhood where he had freedom to roam, and always enough friends for a pick-up baseball game in a vacant lot in the neighborhood or a game of pool at Art’s Pool Hall. Of course, Todd was the organizer and there were a few stories of broken windows in nearby houses! In his adolescence, Todd became an active hunter, fisher, and devoted conservationist – passions that stayed close to his heart his entire life. He attended Willmar High School and was a tri sport athlete, served on the Student Council and was Class President. After high school, Todd attended the U of M and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated in ’65 with a BS in Recreation Management. Todd met Kathy Lumbar in September 1971, in Minneapolis. They were married November 17, 1972, and immediately moved to Redwood Falls. Todd continued his career as Personnel Director for Control Data Corp later Zytec Corp from 1970-1987 and was self-employed as a Management Consultant and Trainer 1987-2006. Todd spent 8 years on the Redwood Falls City Council and was proud of bringing the council up to date in understanding and holding to the tenants of the City Charter and playing a major role in helping the City find the funds to help build the Redwood Area Community Center. Todd and Kathy enjoyed nothing more than summers at the cabin and especially loved when family and friends could join them. In summer, Todd spent as much time as he could fishing, planning fishing trips, or taking his grandchildren and friends fishing. The best days were the ones when he would fly fish on the Straight River near Osage, MN. In fall, he could be found in the empty corn fields of MN, IA and SD pheasant hunting with his dog and buddies. During his down time, he could be found reading books, magazines, and his computer…always trying to explore and understand the world around him. When high school class reunions started, he became “President for Life” and was expected to MC all class reunions, an activity he dearly loved. Most importantly, Todd was always available to help his grandchildren, often dropping what he was doing to give them a ride. He shared his wisdom and love of music with them on these drives.
Todd is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy (Lumbar) Peterson; two daughters: Angela Lumbar of Clearwater, MN & Connie (Mike) Bentson of Morton, MN; eight grandchildren: Alexandra Rohne, Amanda, Ryan, Aubrie & Charles Milhausen, Maxwell, Eliza & Henry Bentson; three great-grandchildren: Andraiah, Sawyer, & Amariello; brother, Joel Peterson; sister, Marcia Wine (J.D.); nieces and nephews. Todd was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Willis Peterson; and cousins, Ron & Quentin Carlson.
