Nels E. Peterson
September 25, 1937 – October 2, 2026
Nels E. Peterson passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Born in Delton Township in Southwestern Minnesota on September 25, 1937, Nels lived on the family farm until the age of seven, where he fondly remembered playing with his pet pig and riding his Shetland pony. He spent his childhood summers working on his uncle’s farm in Comfrey, Minnesota, and hunting and fishing in North Central Minnesota. He then moved to Rochester, Minnesota, living directly across the street from the Mayo Clinic until his marriage to Lucille Ehmke on April 17, 1960. Nels and Lucille shared 62 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2022.
Throughout his youth and adulthood, Nels was an active sportsman who loved fishing, hunting, bowling, horseshoe, and playing varsity high school basketball. He always looked back on his upbringing, remarking that he truly had the best childhood.
Nels began his professional career in his early twenties managing a local bowling alley, where he also taught new bowlers. Immediately following his wedding, he embarked on an 18-year career with Neisner Brothers Discount Department Stores as a Management Trainee. After several relocations and promotions, he served as the Inventory Control Manager for the Vice President of Neisner’s at its corporate headquarters in Rochester, New York.
He then spent 18 years as a Wholesale Territory Sales Manager for Modern Kitchens of Syracuse, selling kitchen cabinets and appliances to retail remodeling stores. During his tenure there, he competed in and won a national dishwasher sales pitch contest, earning a cash prize and a trip to Los Angeles, California. Nels completed the final 18 years of his working career as an appliance salesperson for Sears, Roebuck and Co.
In his 40s, Nels discovered a passion for Thoroughbred horse racing. He spent many weekends at the Finger Lakes Race Track near Rochester, NY, and traveled to legendary tracks across the country, including Saratoga Springs, Gulfstream, and Pimlico. He pursued this passion throughout the second half of his life—winning big, losing big, but most of all, having fun.
In March 2022, following the passing of his beloved wife, Nels moved to Gilpin Hall Nursing Home in Wilmington, Delaware, to be near his daughter and her family.
Nels was the last of his generation, preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Ester Peterson, and his sisters, June Hovland, Della Johnson, and Elnora Schmidt.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Christine Peterson Chinn, and her husband, Mitchell S. Chinn; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan and Megan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. A viewing will take place at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM and a reception luncheon.
A private interment will take place at noon on Friday, October 16, 2026, at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, New York, where Nels will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Lucille.
Flower arrangements are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
