William "Bill" John Peterson, 84, of Cook, MN passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Bill was born on July 19, 1941, in Littlefork, MN to Anne (Van Tassel) and Melvin Peterson.

Bill grew up in Big Falls, MN before moving to Littlefork, where he graduated high school in 1960. He married the love of his life, Edythe (Edie) Johnson. To their union were two daughters, Shari and Michelle.

Bill worked for Boise Cascade in various jobs as a foreman and supervisor for 20 years. In 1974, he moved his family to Cook, MN to pursue logging operations for Boise. Bill also managed Vermilion Fairways Golf Course, where he dedicated over 45 years of building friendships, making memories, and serving an important role in the Vermilion Fairways Community. He recently retired from the course last spring and was very proud of his time there.

Bill enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching any sport he could find on TV. He also dedicated many years to officiating – serving as a referee for football and basketball, and as an umpire for softball and baseball. Bill also loved hunting, especially with his black labs at Udovich's Pheasant Farm in Greaney.

Bill's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy. He cherished every moment spent with them and every opportunity to watch them in their activities. He was especially proud to have had the chance to referee or umpire for all of his grandchildren and even a few of his great-grandchildren.

In Bill's high school yearbook, the caption by his picture reads: "The first thing he will say is, "Where is the athletic field? Please show me the way!'" – a true testament to how much he loved playing, watching, and refereeing sports.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Edie; daughters Shari (Dave) Brodeen and Michelle (Terry) Rautiola; along with five wonderful grandchildren: Dustin Peterson, Josh (Briana) Brodeen, Cody Rautiola, Chelsey (Chad) Hontvet, and Madison (Wesley) Wolfe; and eleven great-grandchildren: Hailie, Emma, and Asher Peterson; Jack, Fulton, and Harrison Brodeen; Lyla and Jade Rautiola; Carl and Cleah Hontvet; and Kamia Wolfe. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Kovatvich; sisters-in-law Sharon (Ken) Obermeier and Pat (Wayne) Lassi; brother-in-law Gary Johnson; nephew Chad Petschl; niece Jill (Mike) Russell; great-nephew Ethan Russell; and great-nieces Emerson Russell and Piper Petschl.

He was preceded in death by his dear parents; his sister, MaryAnne Petschl, and her husband, Walt; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

In memory of Bill, go hit a golf ball, watch a sporting event, work hard, sit in the sunshine, and most importantly – love your family and friends with your whole heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 am at Mlaker Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to the Vermilion Fairways for lunch and fellowship.