Rodney Lee Peterson, 80, passed away on Saturday, November 9 ^th at home in Rochester, MN after a long battle with lung disease. He was born in 1939 to Otto and Beatrice Peterson of Lake City, MN.

He graduated from Lake City High School in 1956 where he was a member of the Lake City Tiger Football Team's 1955 undefeated 9-0 championship season. He served in the US Army from 1958 to 1961. After his honorable discharge he completed a union apprenticeship in carpentry.

He married Carol TePoel in 1963. They have 4 children; Eric (Susan), LeaAnn, Michael (Sarah), and Kip (Becky), who've given them six granddaughters and one grandson.

Rod was an avid outdoorsman. He loved turkey and deer hunting in the fall and fishing, whenever and wherever. From 1974 to 1979, Rod & Carol owned and operated Timberlost Resort & Campground on West Crooked Lake near Nevis in northern Minnesota.

After their return to Rochester, Rod had a long career as a commercial carpentry job superintendent for Alvin E. Benike, Inc. He helped build many institutions in Rochester, including the new church for his own parish, Resurrection Catholic Church.

He retired in 2002 and spent many afternoons on the golf course. When he couldn't get a tee time, he'd chase balls around his own back yard. Rod also had a creative side designing custom cabinetry and furniture pieces in his workshop.

As a lover of classic cars, Rod's pride and joy was a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible he spent many hours restoring and tooling around small river towns in southern Minnesota & Wisconsin.

He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

The Memorial Mass for Rodney will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 12:00pm at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, November 15, 2019 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass at church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate memorials to the Salvation Army or Channel One Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com