William “Bill” Petersen, age 82 of Redwood Falls, passed away suddenly Monday, August 4, 2025 at home after a lengthy battle with heart disease. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Redwood Falls with a livestream on the church’s YouTube page. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 7 at the church with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
William “Bill” Rudolph Petersen was born December 1, 1942 to Ervin and Geraldine (Stitz) Petersen in Two Harbors, Minnesota. In 1960, Bill graduated from Redwood Falls High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1962. On April 20, 1963, Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Malecha in Redwood Falls. The couple moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where Bill was stationed aboard the USS James C. Owens (Allen M. Sumner class destroyer). He received his honorable discharge in May of 1966 and Bill and Sharon then made their home in Redwood Falls. Bill worked at the Fairway grocery store for several years before working for the postal service for 35 years. He then worked at A&J processing for several years following his retirement from the postal service. Bill served on the Redwood Falls Fire Department from 1967-1991 and the Redwood Falls Ambulance from 1967-1987. He was a member of the muzzle loading club and the Redwood Falls American Legion. Bill enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing. You could often find him reading western books or watching the history channel. Bill welcomed everyone into their home with open arms and was happy to include anyone in their family festivities. He loved helping people, but he especially loved spending time with his family.
Bill is survived by his wife Sharon of 62 years; children: Mike (Shannon) Petersen of Mankato, Debi (Lyle) Ahrendt of Sunburg and Cindy (Leon) Einck of Belview; grandchildren: Chris & Megan, Ali & Andrew, Becca, Lindsey & Jordan and Abi & Branden; great grandchildren: Rosella, Charlotte, Kian and Adeline; siblings: Bob (Marilyn) Petersen of California and MaeAnn (Serge Pare) Petersen of Delhi; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jim & Joe.
