Big Lake, MN
July 1, 1939 – December 6, 2021
Ewald passed away December 6, 2021, at Guardian Angels Care Center, Elk River, MN. He was born on July 1,1939 in Champlin, Minnesota to Ewald and Priscilla (Blanchette) Petersen.
Ewald attended Anoka High School and graduated with the class of 1957. He then attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He served nine years in the Minnesota National Guard. He was joined in marriage to Rita R. Hassing in 1964 at the Church of St. Stephen, in Anoka, Minnesota. Together they farmed in Champlin, MN, raising gladiolus for cut flowers, as well as a variety of vegetable “truck farm” crops. Ewald was active in Champlin politics, serving on the Champlin City Council and planning commission. In 1978, he moved his family and farming operation to Big Lake, MN, where he continued to grow his business. He continued his affinity for local politics, serving for many years as the chairman of the Big Lake Township Board, and later 12 years as a Sherburne County Commissioner.
He was active in civic and fraternal organizations, as a member of the Big Lake Lions Club, and 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus. In his 82 years, Ewald was most thankful and proud of his family. His wife and children were his joy, and when his grandchildren and great-grandchild came along, his heart was full. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa and will be missed by so many in the community.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Rita; children, Ewald Joe (Shari) Petersen, Corrine (Scott) Ralph, Eric (Stephanie) Petersen, Paul Petersen, Amy (Kurt) Brambrink, Rebecca (Chad) Blahosky; 7 grandchildren, Emily (Ralph) Lindenfelser, Erin Ralph, Charlie Brambrink, Michael Brambrink, Ewald Petersen, Claire Petersen, Cecelia Blahosky; one great-grandson, Max Lindenfelser; sister Meredith Thompson.
Ewald is preceded in death by his parents, Ewald and Priscilla Petersen, brothers Ludwig, William, Howard, and sister Katrina Nix. Mass of Christian burial at 12:30PM on Fri, Dec 10, 2021 at the Church of St. Andrew, 566-4th St NW, Elk River, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 5-7PM on Thurs, Dec 9, 2021 at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main St NW, Elk River. Interment to follow at Bailey Station Cemetery in Big Lake, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home, Elk River, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.daresfuneralservice.com Memorials preferred to: Guardian Angels Care Center, 400 Evans Avenue NW, Elk River, MN 55330, Options Inc., 16820 197th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN 55309, or St. Andrews Catholic Church, 566 4th St NW, Elk River, MN 55330.
