Glen W. Peterson

Glen W. Peterson, 65, of Northfield, MN, passed away on October 3rd, 2022 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN, following complications from myelodysplastic syndrome.

Glen was born January 13, 1957, in Los Angeles, CA to Lawrence Peterson and Arlene (Oliver Peterson) Bedner. The family moved to La Crosse, WI when Glen was two years old and he graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1975. While at Central he played clarinet in the school band and was a member of the men’s alpine ski team that made it to the Wisconsin State finals. Glen continued his education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in History.

Following his college graduation he worked as a technical salesman for GTE and AT&T. He then moved to Florida where he played professional golf for five years on the PGA Ben Hogan Tour (now the PGA Korn Ferry Tour).  He attained his P.G.A. Teaching Professional membership, which he held for over 25 years. Glen relocated to Massachusetts where he worked as a P.G.A. professional at the Taconic Golf Course in Williamstown, and in the off season he worked as an alpine ski instructor at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort.

On February 17, 1996, he married Robyn Johnson of La Crosse. With Robyn by his side, Glen continued his career in golf, as a P.G.A. Professional at the Mankato Country Club, Valley View Golf Club in Belle Plaine, MN and Oakdale Country Club in Buffalo Lake, MN.  He was also the general manager and P.G.A. Professional at the Northfield Country Club in Northfield, MN. Glen was proud to have coached the men’s golf team at St. Olaf College for 12 years and as swing coach for the women’s golf team at the University of Minnesota. In 2004, Glen founded the GARP Trading Company, a financial investing firm, and continued with his company until the time of his passing. He attained a significant reputation for quality financial analysis.

In 1999, the couple welcomed their son Anders into the world, and they were truly blessed. Glen shared his love of music and golf with his son and family. Glen was especially dedicated to son Anders’ growing musical career.  The family relocated to Interlochen, Michigan, where Anders finished high school at the Interlochen Center for the Performing Arts, where the family developed a strong and special relationship with Anders’ clarinet instructor, Emil Khudyev.  After graduation, Anders attended the Thornton School of Music at USC, where he studied under the noted Professor Yehudha Gilad and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Summa Cum Laude.  Anders is currently attending graduate studies at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, TX

Family was very important to Glen and he loved spending time with his family, extended family and friends, both at home and on their many travels.  He was revered as a teacher, friend and companion by his family, many friends and associates.  His kindness, generously shared wisdom and guidance, and help are a constant legacy.

Glen is survived by his wife of 26 years, Robyn of Northfield, MN;  a son, Anders Christian Peterson; his mother-in-law, Ione Johnson of La Crosse, WI; brothers-in-law, Dr. Robert D. (Diane) Johnson of Brentwood, TN, David R. (Avis) Johnson of La Crosse, WI, sister-in-law, Holly J. (Marc) Heuer of McFarland, WI, brother-in-law, Christopher H. Johnson of Cottage Grove, WI; eleven nieces and nephews: Lindsay (Jeff) Ricotta, Lisa (Dr. Dustin) Lowery, Robert A. (Genolivia) Johnson, David C. Johnson, Kelsey G. Johnson, Alexa (Chris) Eng, Max Johnson, Emery (fiancée’ Micah Peterson-Brandt) Heuer, Logan Heuer, Christopher M. Johnson (Anya) and Samuel A. Johnson.  In addition, cousins Tom (Betsy) Oliver, Bill (Cynthia) Oliver, Carla Knepper, and Gayle (William) Lavalle-Yanez, and other extended family members.   Special friends include Mr. Emil Khudyev, Jay (Cathy) Simpson, Tony (Patti) Hildebrand, Brian Murphy, Michael (Marsha) Joyce and many other dear friends too numerous to mention. He will also be greatly missed by his friends at the investment platform, “Value Forum.”  Glen was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Robert A. Johnson.

Glen’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Litzow and the nursing and medical staff in the Hematology and Oncology Department at Mayo Clinic Health Services in Rochester.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 10, 2022, at English Lutheran Church, 1509 King Street, La Crosse, WI with Rev. Mark Kvale officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are gratefully suggested at Mayo Clinic Philanthropy , In Memory of Glen Peterson, attn: Dept of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester MN   55906, or by phone at (507) 293-8333.