Dennis Carl Peterson

A memorial service commemorating the life of Dennis “Black Pete” Peterson, 77, of Marshall, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the remembrance center. Interment will follow the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military honors provided by U.S. American Legion Post 113 of Marshall.

Dennis Carl “Black Pete” Peterson was born on January 27, 1948, in North Mankato, MN. He and his sister, Sandra, were adopted by Carl and Helen Peterson. Dennis grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 1966. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. After his discharge, he was united in marriage to Kay Peterson on October 4, 1975, in Watertown, SD. Dennis and Kay had two children, Vaughn and Vanessa. They made their home in Marshall where he managed the Derby Station. In 1977, he was transferred to Clear Lake, IA, where he managed the Truck Stop and Gas Station near Interstate 35 for many years. Dennis also drove truck. He returned to Marshall as he and his sister, Sandra, were both experiencing health troubles.

Dennis loved racing. He enjoyed watching racing on television and, in his early years, he enjoyed working in the pit crew for local drivers. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage.

Dennis died suddenly and unexpectedly at his residence in Marshall on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

He is survived by his son Vaughn of Marshall, grandchildren Brooklyn Rave-Peterson (fiancé Jax Kettwig), Deondrea (Cody) Johnson and Dawson DeBell (Lynnzee Johnson); great-grandchildren Carson, Brielle and Atlas, and a brother-in-law Mark Altman. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Vanessa, sister Sandra Altman and his best friend Kay Peterson (Sobek).