David Donald Peterson, 85, passed away on March 1, 2025. He was born in Isle, MN, to Albert and Ruth (Kilmer) Peterson, the youngest of nine children.

David graduated from Isle High School, where he was a member of the FFA. After high school, he moved to Minneapolis and briefly attended college before beginning a career as a heavy equipment operator. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers '49ers.

He met and married Heather Cantrall, and they settled in Lake Elmo. Later, the opportunity to work alongside his brother at Peterson Bros. Blacktop brought them back to Isle. There, they purchased 80 acres, raising their two daughters, Arabian horses, and various farm animals. David was an active member of the Isle School Board. He also earned his private pilot's license and loved flying family and friends.

Following his divorce, he moved to Mora and became a member of the Masonic Lodge. In 1980, he married Jean Becker Carda, the love of his life, and welcomed her two sons as his own.

David was a hardworking, intelligent man who never shied away from labor. When the road construction season ended, his woodcutting season began. After Peterson Bros. Blacktop closed, he joined McCabe Construction, where his knowledge and skill earned him a quick promotion to Foreman. Known as "Swede," he was respected and loved by many. His sharp wit, wonderful sense of humor, and love for a good laugh made him a joy to be around. He often sang "Oh Lord, It's Hard to Be Humble" with a twinkle in his eye.

He enjoyed fishing, making trips to Canada and local lakes, and deer hunting with friends and later with his children. He cherished his lifelong friendships and loved gathering with friends. Before local casinos were common, he enjoyed trips to Las Vegas. In retirement, he and Jean traveled in their RV, camping with family and friends. A devoted Twins fan, he enjoyed watching games all summer long.

David built a great legacy and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to VitaCare of Ogilvie, St. Clare's of Mora, and St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jean Peterson, daughters: Arlee (Steve) Friederichs of Duluth, MN, and Rondie (Mark) Escamilla of Whitesboro, TX, stepsons: Steve (Tabetha) Carda of Woodbury, MN, and Tim (Candie) Carda of Big Lake, MN, sister: Anna Marie Miller of Isle, MN, grandchildren: Lindsey (Chris) Wantz of Charles Town, WV; Micheal McManigell of Denton, TX; Meghan (Ben) Hueper of Rosemount, MN; Caila Carda of Woodbury, MN; Nicholas Carda of Woodbury, MN; Emily (Mitch) Walker of Big Lake, MN; Cole Carda of Big Lake, MN; Jacob Carda of Big Lake, MN; Troy (Anne) Friederichs of Fargo, ND; Maegan Escamilla of Sherman, TX; and Dylan Escamilla of Whitesboro, TX, four great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law: Marlene Peterson of Isle, MN; Joanne (Brian) Wilkening of Idaho Falls, ID; Connie (Rick) Kawalek of Mora, MN; and Joyce Price of Mora, MN, brother-in-law: Ron (Diane) Becker of East Bethel, MN
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and in-laws: Robert (MaryAnn) Peterson, Charles (Gertrude) Peterson, Glenn (Alice) Peterson, Harriet (LaVerne) Hulbert, Wesley (Gertrude) Peterson, Virgie Peterson, Allan Peterson, and brothers-in-law Kenneth Becker, Doug Price, and Ray "Corky" Miller.

David's warmth, laughter, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora with Rev. Steven Sylvester officiating.  Visitation will be from 3 until 4 P.M. at the church.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.