Obituary of Wilford Petersdorf

Wilford C. Petersdorf, 89, of Chokio and South Minneapolis passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at The Homestead in Coon Rapids. He was born September 4, 1920 in Herman, Minnesota to Herman and Ada (Thomas) Petersdorf. Willie grew up in Chokio, Minnesota where he attended school. In 1937 he joined the Civil Conservation Corps and worked in the camp until 1940 when he joined the National Guard and was active until 1941 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served during WWII, was stationed in England, France & Germany and was honorably discharged in 1945. On June 18, 1949 he was united in marriage to Selma Sims in Bemidji, MN. They made their home in Chokio. Wilford was a mechanic and while in Chokio he and his brother operated their own auto and farm equipment repair shop for several years. In 1961 the family moved to Willmar and Willie began working at MNDOT. They lived in Willmar until 1966 when they moved to Minneapolis. He retired from MNDOT in 1982 and they moved to Pillager, MN and spent many years there. They spent some time in Glenwood, MN before moving to The Homestead in Coon Rapids. Wilford was a hard worker and passed that trait on to his children and grandchildren. He could always be trusted to keep his word. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed deer hunting and was a member of the Pillager American Legion. He and Sally enjoyed the trip they made to Norway and Sweden years ago. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles and Herschel, and sisters Eunice and Louise Petersdorf. Wilford is survived by his wife Selma of Coon Rapids, children Thomas and wife Mary Sims of Iowa, Gloria and husband Bill Richards of Coon Rapids, Wayne and wife Kathy Petersdorf of Duluth, Wanda and husband Paul Holmboe of Minneapolis, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, sisters Almeda and husband Bill Neuman of Cohasset, Carol and husband Walt Holm of Star Prairie, WI, Faye Burud of Hamilton, MT, brothers Curtis and wife Rose Petersdorf of Gardner, OR, Ronald and wife Theresa Petersdorf of Farmington, MN, and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.