House 1959-62 (District 36)
Party when first elected: Nonpartisan Election-Conservative Caucus
Counties Served: Hennepin
Minnehaha Academy High School; Secondary; GraduateUniversity of Minnesota; B.A.; Cum LaudeUniversity of Illinois, Law School; LL.B.; With Honors, 1941
Spouse: Gretchen (she had been an Ice Follies ice skater) Children: Six children: Barabara (she was Miss U.S.A. in 1976), and Polly (she was Miss Minnesota U.S.A. in 1981) (daughters); Craig, Mark, Todd, and Scott (sons) Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature: Paul Kenneth Peterson - Brother
He was the youngest of 10 children.He "was assistant floor leader for the conservative caucus in his second term. ("Supreme Court Senior Justice Peterson Quits." Star Tribune, August 31, 1985)He ran unsuccessfully as the Republican party endorsed candidate for Minnesota Lieutenant Governor in the 1962 election.He was the first Chair of the Minnesota News Council. He served from 1971 to 1981.He died from cancer at home in Edina, Minnesota. He had suffered with lymphoma since 1969. His funeral was held at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota.He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota.Religion provided by Star Tribune, August 31, 1985.