Reverend Peter John Martinson

The Reverend Peter John Martinson, 69, of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Sanford Health in Fargo.

Pete was born on December 8, 1946 in Fergus Falls, the son of Webster and Sylvia (Hofstad) Martinson. He was baptized at home on January 26, 1947 and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls on May 20, 1962.

He attended school in Fergus Falls and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1965. After high school he attended California Lutheran Bible School, graduating in 1967, and then attended Fergus Falls Community College from 1967 to 1968. In July of 1968, Pete enlisted in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge in 1971. Upon his discharge from the military he returned to the Fergus Falls Community College and graduated with his AA degree in May of 1972. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota, graduating with his BA degree in 1974, and received his Masters of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in 1978.

On July 7, 1973, he married LoAnn Rae Anderson at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Pete was ordained on June 9, 1978, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. Through the years, Pete served Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN, Augustana Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN, and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake, MN. He semi-retired in 2013 and then served as interim pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Nevis and currently was serving North Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Pelican Rapids.

Preceding him in death were his parents and mother-in-law, Alice Anderson.

Survivors include his wife, LoAnn of Fergus Falls; daughters, Carrie and Joel Bjorge of Fargo, ND and Allison and Bruce Loerzel of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Christopher Bjorge, Nora and Sophia Loerzel; sister, Sara Bruce of Fridley, MN; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Les and LeAnn Rogness of Fergus Falls and Keith and Mary Anderson of Woodville, WI; father-in-law, Russ Anderson of Fergus Falls. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and an uncle.

Pete was a well-loved husband, Dad, and Grandpa. Each moment he spent with his family was precious to him. We never had a doubt of how much he loved us. Pete was a loving husband and best friend to LoAnn for almost 43 years. They spent their married life loving each other, their family, and extended family. Pete and LoAnn enjoyed working together as a team in ministry. As a Dad, he always made himself available to sincerely listen, provide calm insight and guidance, and offer a “hankie.” The joy in his heart was evident as his face would light up whenever he was with his three grandchildren. His love for his children and grandchildren showed through in his reading of books, playing games, and his heartfelt hugs.

Pete’s life centered on Jesus, the Word of God, and talking to his Savior in prayer. Pete had written of his life, saying “It has been my privilege to hear, study, learn, preach, and teach the Word of God for most of my life”. His hope for each person was that we would personally know the love of Jesus and find hope in the promise of eternal life through Christ our Lord. We are rejoicing that Pete is resting safely in the arms of Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Gideons and World Mission Prayer League.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the funeral home with a public prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2016 at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN
Clergy: Revs. Brad Soenksen, Saul Stensvaag, Ed Monson and Doug Rogness
Burial: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN