LeRoy Harry Peterson was born August 6, 1922 in Rural Union County, South Dakota to Carl G. and Beda M. (Berglund/Nordling) Peterson. He was called to Heaven on June 29, 2013 at the age of 90 years, 10 months, and 23 days. LeRoy attended rural Huggins and Finn Schools. Growing up in a large family with 7 sisters and 4 brothers, he was never at a loss for a good family story. His love for the land began as a young boy while working in the fields and doing farm chores, as well as serving as a farmhand for many local farmers. LeRoy was married to Gale (Wheeler) on June 18, 1947. As a young couple, they lived above the Wheeler-Anderson Clothing Store before moving to an acreage north of Alcester where LeRoy farmed what is now the Alcester Golf Course. In 1950, they moved to a farm east of Alcester where LeRoy fed cattle, hogs, and crop-farmed. The farm provided a wholesome environment to rear their 3 daughters. They lived on this farm for 44 years. LeRoy took great pride in growing sweet corn, and loved giving it to his grandkids to sell. LeRoy and Gale enjoyed many years camping at Newton Hills and Yankton. They enjoyed wonderful trips to Sweden, Hawaii, and in 2004 they traveled to Boston to watch their daughters, Mary and Susan, run the Boston Marathon. He grew up in the Baptist Church and was an active member of the United Church of Christ. In 1994, they moved to town. LeRoy was never able to part with his love for the farm, so he and Gale have continued to care for it. The farm will be forever in our memories as the unofficial "LeRoy Peterson State Park." Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Gale; daughters Gloria (Hokan) Rosen Wayzata, MN; Mary (Wick) Powell , Greenville, SC; Susan Kersten and Beloved Grandchildren Seth and Mollie Kersten of Sioux Falls. Sisters and Brothers-in-Law: Leona (Earl) Beuckens, Green Valley, AZ; Shirley (Paul) McKee, Alcester; Winona (Marvin) Boles, Florence, MO; and sisters-in-law Fern Peterson, Alcester; and Donna Peterson, Sioux City, IA; Donna (Wheeler) Keiser, Beresford, SD; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A special acknowledgement of his coffee buddies at Cenex. We would also like to acknowledge Jerry and Cindy, Bill and Connie ....LeRoy loved you all dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Curtis LeRoy; brothers Emil and Clarence Nordling, Arthur Peterson, Raymond Peterson, and sisters Madelyn Osman, Margaret Binkerd, Frances Beuckens, and Marion Warnkvist. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, July 5, 2013 at the United Church of Christ in Alcester, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.