Lothard Petersen

Lothard Petersen, age 89, of Upsala, MN passed away October 8th, 2015 from cancer.
Lothard grew-up on a farm in Swanriver Township where his father was a blacksmith. Among his many hobbies, Lothard raised Holstein cows for which he received awards. Not only did he own a Gambles Hardware Store in Upsala for many years, but he did plumbing and delivered LP gas tanks around the Upsala area, meeting and making friends wherever he went.
Inspired by Ernest Tubb at age 14, Lothard learned to play guitar. Later in life he spent much time witnessing for his Lord in churches and nursing homes by performing with his Martin guitar. Many of the songs he sang were songs he had written himself.
When arthritis began to affect his guitar playing, Lothard developed an interest in concertinas. He acquired a Stradivarius and an Arnold Quad concertina and learned to play them as well as he had done with the guitar.
Having such a congenial personality, Lottie had many, many friends. His genuine interest in people proved a love for everyone he met and no doubt they felt the same way about him. Such a man will always be in our thoughts and truly missed.
Survived by wife, Jeanne; sister, Harriet Friesen; nephews and nieces, Paul (Carie) Kienbaum, Henry Kienbaum Jr., Brittney Kienbaum, Becky Kienbaum, Bella Lopez, Bito Lopez, and Andrew Lopez; good friends, John (Sarah) Schelonka.
Preceded in death by wife, Betty; parents, Mark and Ruby; sister and brother-in-law, Vera and Henry Kienbaum Sr.; brother-in-law, Ernie Friesen.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 17th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Word of Life Church, 3328 1st Avenue West, Upsala, MN. Pastor Clayton Wilfer, officiating. Arrangements through the Cremation Society of Minnesota.