Following a beautiful evening watching his beloved Diamond Dogs play baseball, then supper with family and friends, Harold LeRoy “Pete” Peterson passed to eternal life. Pete, a native of Portland, North Dakota, was born on March 24, 1946, and passed away on February 24, 2017.

Prior to beginning his career at Mississippi State University (MSU), Pete obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at Mayville State University and his Masters and Doctorate degrees at Iowa State University. He retired from MSU in 2002 after a 29-year career as a professor of soil microbiology and biochemistry.
Pete was an avid MSU baseball fan and an original member of the current Left Field Lounge of Dudy Noble Field. A longtime MSU Bulldog Club member, Pete enjoyed supporting both football and women’s basketball. Pete’s family and friends will remember him for his generous spirit, wonderful grilling skills, warm smile and gentle embrace.

Pete is survived by his wife of 30 years, Maria Tomaso-Peterson and their son, Luke. He is also survived by his sons, Jesse Peterson (Erika) of Boone, Iowa and Scott Peterson of Ames, Iowa. Pete has two sisters, Carolyn Jordahl (Bob) of Pembina, North Dakota and Angie Kaelberer (Greg) of Waseca, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his dear parents, Harold and Genora Peterson.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, March 4 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Mississippi Turfgrass Association Fund for Excellence in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, MSU Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Online donations may be made at msufoundation.com and designate your gift for the Mississippi Turfgrass Association Fund for Excellence.