Paul Edward Peterson Jr., passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 4th, 2026. He was 86 years old.

Paul Edward Peterson Jr. lived in a house in the woods on the banks of the Talmadge River. Not surprisingly, there is a piano in the living room and a musical clock that plays a different song every hour. Music was always a large part of his life.

Paul was born in the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis. Growing up he lived in many places: Anoka, Worthington, Pine City and Proctor. All were communities where his father, Paul Edward Peterson Sr., taught. Paul Sr. was a music teacher, and Paul Jr. followed in his dad’s footsteps and became a music teacher as well. As a youngster, he was given a choice: practice piano or do the dishes. By seventh grade Paul knew he wanted to be a music teacher. His father was also the organist and choir director in the churches they belonged to. His father made sure that young Paul was exposed to all kinds of music, including singing a capella in small groups. Paul went to high school in Hermantown where his father was the band director.

Paul went to the University of Minnesota Duluth and earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music, and with the advanced training he had done, he held a near doctorate degree. He played all brass, wind, and string instruments along with percussion. But don’t ask him to strum a guitar.

Paul was teaching Junior High School Band and brass instruments in Benson, MN where Darlene was working at the bank. Generally, Darlene’s position kept her in the back, but that day she was working in the teller area; Paul had a problem with his checking account, and Darlene helped him resolve it. That’s how it started.

Paul married Darlene in 1968 and moved to Minneapolis where Paul taught band at Fridley High School. They started their family with sons Paul Leonard and Jonathan Brian. Paul and Darlene then moved to Duluth, MN where Paul became the orchestra teacher at Duluth Denfeld. Paul and Darlene became members at Faith Lutheran church where Paul directed the choir for 10 years.

In the fall of 1977 Paul and his family moved to the North Shore where Matthew Aaron was born. In 1984, Paul and Darlene became members of French River Lutheran Church. They joined the choir and Paul became the director in 1985. He later retired from directing in 2020.

After 39 years of teaching music, Paul retired from the Duluth Public Schools. But he still taught students at the Duss Music Conservatory. Paul also had countless numbers of piano students over the years. He performed with the Glensheen Union Band and the Duluth Community Band. He also was called in as ringer to play in the Lake Wobegon Brass Band with his brother, David.

Paul’s musical prowess was not only instrumental but vocally as well. Duets with himself and his wife Darlene were common over the years and were celebrated in Church programs, weddings and funerals alike. For the amount of talent Paul possessed, his humble nature rang through.

Away from Paul’s musical passions he also was passionate about sports. His love for the Minnesota Vikings goes all the way back to 1961 when he and his brother David were in attendance at the very first Vikings game against the Chicago Bears at Metropolitan Stadium. Paul adored all of the Minnesota sports except the University of Minnesota Hockey program, him being a true UMD Bulldog. While there is a special spot in his heart for the Vikings, his true love of sports came when he watched his children and grandchildren participate in their sporting journeys on the field or on the sidelines as coaches.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Signe Peterson and father, Paul E Peterson Sr. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlene Peterson, brother, David Peterson of Anoka, son, Paul L “Skip” Peterson (Nancy) of East Gull Lake, MN, son, Jonathan Peterson (Elizabeth) of Duluth and son, Matthew Peterson (Roberta) of Superior, WI, grandsons, PJ (Paige), Jacob (Dani), Erik and Jaymii, granddaughters, Nora and Madison, and great-granddaughter Winnie.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at French River Lutheran Church in Duluth, MN at 12:00pm with a visitation from 11:00am – 12:00pm. Any monetary offerings will be used to establish a PEP Music Foundation fund to extend opportunities for youth in music.