Paul D. Peterson

Paul D. Peterson, age 80, of LaBolt, SD, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025.  Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Cornerstone Church in Watertown.  Pastor Mark Tracy will officiate.  Music will be provided by Muriel Mosher as pianist.  The funeral service will be live-streamed via Cornerstone Church website. 

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Monday.

Private family burial will be at the LaBolt Cemetery in LaBolt, SD.  Active pallbearers will be David Peterson, Dan Peterson, Jake Peterson, Steven Peterson, Ryan Pekelder, and Chris Pekelder.  

Paul David Peterson was born on May 31, 1945, in Milbank, SD, to Adolph and Helen (Berrat) Peterson.  He was the third of 4 children.  Paul spent his early years on a farm south of Summit, SD.  In 1951, the family moved to a farm near Strandburg, SD.  He attended school in Strandburg, graduating in 1963.  

Paul began his ranching career while still in high school.  Paul remained on the farm he grew up on, taking care of the land, cattle, and sheep.  Paul served as a member of both the local and county township boards.  He was also a member of the Gideon Organization, loved to sing, watch basketball, and ride horses.  Paul was a familiar face at the Strandburg Café and enjoyed a good cup of coffee. Paul loved being a part of his community and spending time with his friends and family.  He continued to ranch until he was called home by his Lord and Savior. He will be missed by those who knew him.

Paul is survived by his wife, Verla, of LaBolt; his children and their families, David (Brenna) Peterson, Micah, of Sioux Falls, SD, Dan (Lindsey) Peterson, Jonah, Madeline, of Harrisburg, SD, and Jake (Lisa) Peterson, Ryder, Elsie, Bayler, of Stockholm, SD; brother, Lloyd (Karen) Peterson, of Waterloo, IA; sisters, Alma Fitzloff and Carol Koch, of Maple Grove, MN.    

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandson, Westin Peterson.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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