Funeral Services were held for Orin Petersen age 99, of New York Mills, on Monday, October 17, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with Pastor Kirk Douglas officiating. Congregational hymns were accompanied by Janell Brakel. Special music was provided by Sarah Severson, and Chris and Kate Swanson. Pallbearers were Jared Bakke, Christopher Swanson, Sara Swanson, Jenna and Adam Sturgis and Lydia Sanken. Honorary Pallbearers were the Home Health Aides and Certified Nursing Assistants at Mills Manor. 

Orin Harley Petersen was born on February 22, 1923, in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills.  His parents were the late Harry and Leona (Welter) Petersen.  Orin grew up on the family farm in Homestead Township.  He attended County School District #186.  Orin farmed with his father on the family farm.  Orin served honorably in the United States Army in Korea during World War II from February 27, 1945, to December 14, 1946. After his service Orin returned to Homestead Township and continued farming.  

On July 10, 1952, Orin was united in marriage to Dorothy Wallgren at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills.  Their marriage was blessed with 6 children.  Orin and Dorothy resided and farmed their entire lives in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills. In 1994, Orin and Dorothy retired, sold the farm and they moved to town.   

Orin was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a board member at Nazareth Lutheran Church.  He was also a member of the Federal Landbank Board for 21 years in Fergus Falls and the Homestead Township Board where he was treasurer for 10 years. In 2014, Orin received his honorary high school diploma. Orin enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and his newest hobby, coloring. 

On Tuesday, October 12, 2022, Orin passed away at the age of 99, surrounded by his family at his home in Mills Manor, New York Mills. Preceding Orin in death were his wife, Dorothy; his parents, Harry and Leona; son: Gregg Petersen; daughter: Jodie Sanken; siblings: Veryl (Eino) Kehus, Elmer Pollack, Loretta (Argyle) Paulson, Norman Koehler, Dick Anderson, Glen “Pete” (Delores) Petersen, Gladys (Lyle) Petersen, Ervin (Magdeline) Wallgren, and George (Jeanette) Wallgren.  

Orin is survived by his daughters: Kay (Karl) Swanson of Bemidji; Kathy (Jon) Tumberg of New York Mills; Jill (Gary) Lonneman of Benson, Minn.; and Mary Jo (Doug) Brennan of West Fargo, N.D.; son-in-law Todd Sanken of Pittsville, Wis.; five grandchildren: Jared (Kris) Bakke, Christopher (Kate) Swanson, Sara Swanson, Jenna (Adam) Sturgis, and Lydia Sanken; four great-grandchildren: Jessa, Jace, Leona, and Calvin; sisters: Lorna Pollack of Renton, Wash.; Jean Koehler of New York Mills; Mary Anderson of Moorhead, Minn.; many other relatives and a host of friends. 

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.   

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave a message of comfort and support for Orin’s family.