Samuel Myron Peterson, 72, of Ellendale, died Monday, January 29, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital. 

He was born December 7, 1945 in Berlin Township the son of Selmer and Myrtle (Smith) Peterson. Sam graduated from Ellendale High School in 1963.  Following school, he served 4 years in the US Navy. On February 1, 1969 Samuel married Sharon Wiese at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. The couple has lived and farmed in the Ellendale area since their marriage. While farming, Sam also owned and operated the Straight River Inn.  He also worked as an auctioneer with Tracy Holland and enjoyed hosting a spring and fall auction on his farm just outside of Hope.

Sam was a member of First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, the American Legion in New Richland and the Minnesota State Auctioneer's Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and family gatherings. Sam’s love of music started at an early age. He shared his musical talents with family and friends as well as performing with the Windzor 5 band. He loved being a part of his grandchildren's lives and attending their activities.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Peterson of Ellendale; daughters, Stephanie Peterson of Geneva, Shannon (and Troy) Pederson of Owatonna; grandchildren, Andre Hill, Avery Hill, Collin Pederson, Casey Pederson; sister, Shirley (and Tyler) Hansen of Rush City; brother, Mike (and Carol) Peterson of Citrus Heights, CA; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Peterson of Ellendale, Marilyn Gordon of Blooming Prairie, Karen Wiese of Blooming Prairie and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Selmer and Myrtle Peterson; brother, Don Peterson; sister, Mary Jane (and Milton) Jensen; brothers-in-law, Sever Olson, Gene Gordon; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arnold and Esther Wiese.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale on Friday from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale with the Reverend Richard Sliper officiating. Interment will be in the Geneva Cemetery in Geneva.