Freeman L. Peterson , 81, Sawyer, died Sunday, January 17, 2010 in a Minot Hospital.

Freeman was born April 25, 1928 on the family farm near Verendrye, ND, the son of Albert and Hilda (Gravely) Peterson. He was raised on the family farm until his parents died in 1936 in a car-train accident. He was later raised by Lyle and Marion Whitted near Sawyer and graduated from Sawyer High School.

Freeman entered into active duty service with the US Air Force in 1950, and served his country stateside during the Korean Conflict, until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He was united in marriage to Lois Margaret Borreson on December 29, 1952 at Velva.

They made their home in Sawyer, where along with raising their four children, he was employed at the Sawyer Farmer's Elevator (later Minot Farmers Elevator) for over thirty-five years, until retiring in 1991. After retiring, he had assisted his foster brother, Gerry Whitted with farming.

Freeman was a longtime member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing and camping, along with going for rides in the countryside.

His loving family includes ; Wife of fifty-seven years, Lois; Children, Devra (John) Mogren, Fessenden, ND, Lisa Peterson and fiancé, Steve Rokusek, New Leipzig, ND, Kevin Peterson, Velva, Anita (Porter) Dassenko, Belgrade, MT; Grandchildren, Eric (Dusti) Mogren, Castle Rock, CO, Karl Mogren, Fessenden, ND, Bridget & Natasha Dassenko, Belgrade, MT; Great-Grandchildren, Hunter & Kaidynce Mogren; Foster-Siblings, Gerry (Sherry) Whitted, Minot and Gail (Jeff) Buda, Velva, ND.

Freeman was preceded in death by his parents, foster-parents, sister, Arlyss Kulesia, brother, Albert Peterson, half-sisters, Joyce Whitted, Marie Wills and Fern Schwab.

Funeral service : Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, later in the spring.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.