Former four-term Cottage Grove mayor Roger Peterson has died, city officials announced Thursday.
Peterson, who was mayor from 1972 to 1987, died in his home Tuesday. He was 80.
“He holds the record for most time served as mayor,” said mayor Myron Bailey. “He always joked that he wanted me to break his record.”
Peterson lived in Cottage Grove for more than 40 years, and worked with the Jaycees, Lion’s Club, the Stone Soup Thrift Shop and Cottage Grove’s annual Strawberry Fest.
He helped create the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission and the local branch of the Youth Service Bureau.
He also worked as a lobbyist with the Association of Metro Municipalities.
“He is a big reason why Cottage Grove remains an incredible place to live and raise a family, to this very day,” said mayor Bailey.
Peterson’s hobbies and interests included antique cars, crossword puzzles and Sudoku.
Peterson is survived by wife Myra; children Mark Peterson, Tracy Johnson, Rick Peterson, Deb Jahnke, Terry Lobeck, Eric Lobeck, Lynn Harrelson, Chris Lobeck; 21 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother Ron Peterson.
Details about the funeral services at the Kok Funeral Home in Cottage Grove will be announced later.