Gerald Curtis Peterson, 85, of Williston, ND, formerly of Wildrose, ND passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Williston, ND.

He was born on November 29, 1940 to Clara and George Peterson in Williston, ND. He graduated from Wildrose, ND in 1958.

On June 3, 1961, he married June (Dahl) Peterson. They began their married life on the Dahl farm south of Wildrose. After a few years, they moved to Tioga where they raised their three children.

Gerald had a few careers during his life. He began early on working at the Williston airport. He loved airplanes and even had an app on his phone to follow the flight patterns in the sky! He also worked at the gas plant in McGregor, was a truck driver for Northern Tanklines, and then worked for Amerada Hess until he “retired”.

His last job was his true love. After helping his entire life on both his father’s and uncle‘s farm, he took over full-time farming on the Peterson Homestead south of Wildrose. He farmed for many years and he loved the land.

During this time, he was blessed with many grandchildren who loved going to the farm. They especially loved riding with Grandpa Pete on the tractor, combine, mower, four-wheeler, and golf cart.

In 2008 June, sadly, passed away, which was so hard on him. In 2015 Gerald met a wonderful gal, Mary Herber, from Spearfish, South Dakota. After some long distance “dating”, she moved to the farm with Gerald. They lived on the farm until 2023 before moving to the Arbor House in Williston.

Gerald is survived by Mary; his children, Dawn (Cary) Hawkinson of Green Valley, AZ, Cheri Peterson of Parker, CO, (Myles Rosencrans of Tioga, ND), Curt (Megan) Peterson of Velva, ND; grandchildren, Jaden (Noelle Wallwork) and Ashlyn Hawkinson, Ally Nelson, Quintin (Gabby Hummel) and Kinley Peterson, Lexton Smith; sister, Louann Peterson of Anchorage, AK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, June Peterson; parents, George and Clara (Netmanger) Peterson.