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Sterling David Peterson, 77, of Wakonda, SD, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 23 in Vermillion, SD.
Sterling was born July 26, 1940 in Vermillion, SD, to Stanley and M. Viola (Olson) Peterson. He grew up on his family farm near Westerville, SD and attended country school for his grade school years. He graduated from Wakonda High School in 1958.
He joined the Army in May 1963 and served in Korea.
Sterling married Virginia Wetmore on May 9, 1966 at Turkey Valley Baptist Church, Viborg, SD. Sterling and Virginia farmed hand-in-hand for 48 years. Sterling loved to farm. He continued to do so after Virginia’s death in 2015 and until his own passing.
Sterling enjoyed driving through the beautiful South Dakota countryside, spending time with friends, tending his large garden, and visiting with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church, where he was also baptized and confirmed.
He is survived by his sons; Paul (Julie) Peterson of Sturgis, SD, and Robert (Julie) Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, and a daughter Rebecca (Jay) Skroch of Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by two brothers, John Peterson of Wakonda, SD, and Stanley Peterson of Vermillion, SD; two sisters, Laura Johnson of Platte, SD, and Arlene (Tom) Termes of Sturgis, SD; and eight grandchildren, Blair, Eli, Isabel, Faith, Elizabeth, Hannah, Priscilla and Benjamin.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Peterson; parents, Stanley and Viola Peterson; and his sister, Martha Peterson.