David Peterman

David B. Peterman, age 73, of New London, went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2015, while hiking in the Grand Canyon with his son, brother, and a good friend. He died immediately due to a massive heart attack.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20, at the First Baptist Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, at the First Baptist Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the David Peterman Scholarship Fund at New London-Spicer School, the First Baptist Church in Willmar, Mission Fund, or the Youth For Christ are preferred.

David was born April 27, 1941, in Glenwood, Minnesota. He graduated from Villard High School in 1959 and from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1963.

He married Judy Carlson of Bridgeport, Connecticut on June 20, 1964. This past summer, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.

David began his teaching and coaching career in Balaton, Minnesota in 1963, where he taught Social Studies and was the head basketball and track coach. In 1967, David and Judy moved to the New London-Spicer area where he continued to teach and coach for New London-Spicer High School for nearly 40 years. He also directed the driver's education program for 50 years, continuing to teach behind-the-wheel up until his death.

He loved not only coaching sports, but playing them as well. David was a stand-out point guard for his high school and college basketball teams. He started playing tennis and golf in later years. Because he loved competitive tennis so much, he started tennis tournaments in Willmar and then in New London. In his retirement years, David could be seen almost daily on the golf course. Retirement years also allowed him to spend time with grandchildren, watch them participate in activities, and to travel with his wife.

David's faith was what guided and grounded his life. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Willmar for 48 years and served as a teacher, Sunday school superintendent and as a deacon. He led the Youth For Christ Campus Life Club in New London for over 10 years.

David will be remembered for his infectious, rolling-on-the-floor laugh, genuine kindness, and passionate spirit. He loved life and lived each day to the fullest. This joy was a gift to all who knew him. In the words of one of his former students, "Mr. Peterman's laugh was special, genuine and beloved; it came from deep down in his soul."

He is survived by his wife, Judy of New London; three children, Kristin (and Travis) Hoaglund of Lake Elmo, Jill (and Chris) Pirrotta of Vergas, and Scott (and Kari) Peterman of Lake Elmo; seven grandchildren, Maggan & Samuel Pirrotta, Charlie & Hank Hoaglund, and Trent, Morgan & Tate Peterman; a brother, Edgar (and Kathy) Peterman of Anoka; two sisters, JoAnne (and Craig) Peterson of Milaca and Mary Jean (and David) Carlson of Roseville; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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