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RODNEY FREDERICK PETERSEN
Born: Dec 03, 1941
Date of Passing: Jul 10, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRODNEY FREDERICK PETERSEN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rodney (Ron) Petersen on July 10, 2026, at home surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Darlene; daughters Marnie (Nelson) and Kelly (Cam); grandchildren Jesse, Aidan, Teagan, and Madyn; brother Dick; sisters-in-law Marleen Tomasson and Ardith Tomasson; and brother-in-law Ted Catchpole.
Dad was born and raised in Lundar, Manitoba, where he excelled both academically and athletically. As a young man, he helped on the family mink ranch. After graduating from high school, he moved to Winnipeg to study education at the University of Manitoba. For more than 26 years, Dad taught math and geography at Dakota Collegiate.
Dad had a lifelong passion for sports. He loved the feel of the ski on the mountain, the blades on the ice, the ball on the racquet, and the fish on the line. He treasured trips to ski, cycle, and play hockey, as well as winter getaways to Palm Springs, where his family enjoyed time together. He was a consummate do-it-yourselfer, building both the family home and cottage. He got a great deal of satisfaction from working with his hands and helping out with projects for the family.
Dad felt especially blessed with the people in his life, especially his wife of 60 years, Darlene, who was always there for him. He was a proud father of daughters Marnie and Kelly, and sons-in-law Nelson and Cam for their accomplishments, and for their dedication to parenting. Grandchildren Jesse, Aidan, Teagan, and Madyn were Dad's greatest joy. A dedicated Afi (Icelandic grandfather), he spent countless hours teaching them to ride bicycles, play games, make crafts, etc. True to his nature as a teacher, many of those moments included lessons they hardly realized they were learning. He also took great pride in cheering on both his children and grandchildren from the sidelines, enthusiastically supporting soccer, volleyball, softball, ringette, and every other adventure they pursued.
Dad's intelligence was matched by his wonderful sense of humour. He loved a good joke, delighted in playful teasing, and had an endless supply of what became affectionately known among his daughters' friends as "Ron Jokes." His quick wit, warm laughter, and ability to find joy in everyday moments made him a pleasure to be around. Dad continued to have strong relationships with his cousins, longtime friends, and with neighbours that he greatly valued.
Dad was predeceased by his mother and father, Steina (nee Eirikson) and Richard (Archie); brother Ray; brothers-in-law Chris and Cliff Tomasson; sisters-in-law Dorene Petersen and Deanna Catchpole; mother-in-law Dorothy Turner; and fathers-in-law Helgi Tomasson and Joe Turner.
A casual gathering for friends and family will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2026
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Very sorry to hear about this our thoughts are with you all - Posted by: Della (O’Neil) Myall (Old neighbor) on: Jul 18, 2026
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Mr. Petersen, as we respectfully called him growing up, was one of the kindest individuals you would meet. While being from Lundar, Ron was also a true friend and staple of the Portage La Prairie friendship group alongside Doug, my dad Jack, and more. With that, in the 80s, came multi-family trips to the States - Minneapolis and Chicago - to catch baseball games, dinner parties throughout the year, and tobogganing adventures in St Vital park. The routine breakfasts with the guys in their later years meant Ron proudly sharing stories about what Kelly and Marnie were up to and these being passed along to us through my dad. Darlene, Marnie, and Kelly, our hearts are heavy and are with you. - Posted by: Robb Ritchie (Friend of the Family) on: Jul 18, 2026
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Mr. Petersen, as we respectfully called him growing up, was one of the kindest individuals you would meet. While being from Lundar, Ron was also a true friend and staple of the Portage La Prairie friendship group alongside Doug, my dad Jack, and more. With that, in the 80s, came multi-family trips to the States - Minneapolis and Chicago - to catch baseball games, dinner parties throughout the year, and tobogganing adventures in St Vital park. The routine breakfasts with the guys in their later years meant Ron proudly sharing stories about what Kelly and Marnie were up to and these being passed along to us through my dad. Darlene, Marnie, and Kelly, our hearts are heavy and are with you. - Posted by: Robb Ritchie (Friend of the Family) on: Jul 18, 2026
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I have great memories of Mr Peterson at Dakota Collegiate. A standout field trip was at the Sandy lands. He was also my cooperating teacher in my final year of education. He was a wonderful mentor and a kind man. - Posted by: Sandra Brown Day (Former student) on: Jul 18, 2026
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Condolences to the family. I remember Mr. Petersen vividly from my days at Dakota Collegiate and have specific recollection of him teaching us what orographic rainfall was. It is one of the few factoids I have retained from high school, back in the late 70s. More importantly, Mr. Petersen took the time to speak to students like actual human beings, in reciprocal conversations. His work with Mr. Watts in organizing the curling was much appreciated. A good teacher and a good egg.... - Posted by: Blair Hamilton (past student) on: Jul 18, 2026
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I grew up with Ron in Lundar, a few years younger, and always admired him. I played sports with him as we all did, hockey, curling, football, baseball, but never to the level of skill at which he was a natural. When I went to University he took me under his wing,a shy little country boy,and we shared an apartment in Osborne,for which I have been eternally grateful. And my first summer job was on the same project as him,the Grand Rapids Dam,as many from Lundar did. I had occasion to get together with him when I was in Winnipeg over the years for coffee or dinner. And when he and Darlene came to Victoria one summer we got together as well. We corresponded regularly on the internet,jokes and the like. I was shocked to hear of Ron’s passing,thinking he was always there a keystroke away. He was a good friend and a wonderful guy,and witty(in the rain we always said”lovely weather for ducks” but in a particular blizzard he quipped “lovely weather for snowplows “which cracked us all up. - Posted by: Verne Johnson (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2026