Pastor Virgil Lee Peterson

Pastor Virgil Lee Peterson of Mankato was 70 years old when he entered his heavenly home on May 26, 2023.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Living Truth Fellowship 1400 N. Washington Ave. St. Peter, MN. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Friday at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary and one hour before the service Saturday at the church.

 Virgil was born to Voyle and Grace Peterson in Huron, South Dakota on September 7, 1952. He grew up in Webster, South Dakota and after his high school graduation, he attended college in Huron, South Dakota where he majored in business and music.  Before being called in to the pastoral ministry, he taught business and vocal music.

On November 25, 1977; Virgil married the love of his life, Mary Wetzel, in Spearfish, South Dakota. God confirmed the call to preach and when Virgil knew this was God’s will for his life; Virgil and Mary moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1981 where Virgil began his ministerial studies for the ministry. In 1984, Virgil accepted his first pastoral assignment in Velva, North Dakota. God later called him to serve churches in Michigan and in Mankato, Minnesota. On June 27, 1986; he was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Virgil had a pastor’s heart which was evident throughout his ministry and in his love and care for people.

Virgil became a resident of Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center in November 2018 due to his health conditions. He continued to minister to the residents and staff by preaching, playing the piano, leading Bible studies, and praying for and with those around him.  He was always welcoming, had an encouraging and kind word, and a bright smile for everyone he met. Virgil continued to demonstrate love, joy, and laughter even during his challenges. A special thank you to the Hillcrest Staff for their love and care shown to Virgil.

Family was an important part of his life. He loved his family, and it was demonstrated by his character of being a loving husband and Dad. He loved spending time with his family and watching his daughters grow up, and he was always proud of their accomplishments. He was one of Sara and Naomi’s biggest supporters.

Left to cherish his memories are his best friend and wife, Mary, of North Mankato, Minnesota, his two precious daughters, Sara and Naomi, of North Mankato, Minnesota, sister, Pearl Peterson, of Fridley, Minnesota, sister-in-law, Vicki Kircher, of Porter Oklahoma, and many cousins. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother, and aunts and uncles. 

Virgil’s love for the Lord was vividly seen in how he lived his life for Him. His demonstration of Christ’s love to all made an impact in many people’s lives. Jesus was the foundation of Virgil’s life. We will miss you and will always love you. Thank you for setting the example of how we all should live for Christ. Your work on earth is done. Go rest high on that mountain and run freely into the arms of Jesus. We will see you again.

Livestream at https://www.ltfellowship.org/