Darryl Peterson
June 5, 1948 - August 28, 2025
Darryl Henry Peterson, age 77, of New Prague, died peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Thursday, August 28, 2025. He was born on June 5, 1948, in Virginia, MN, to Henry Oscar and Averie Ann (Poupard) Peterson, Jr.
Darryl retired from the US Army Reserve as a Master Sergeant after 29 years of service and from the Minnesota State Patrol as a Lieutenant after 24 years of service.
Darryl is survived by Diane, his wife of 47 years; daughter, Danielle (Mark) Steele; sons, Scott Peterson and Jeremy (Deanna) Peterson; grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, Cole, Morgan and Brent; great-granddaughter, Braelynn; great-grandson, Elijah; sisters, Cheryl Mager and Shelley (Greg) Padgett. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A service with military honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 1:00 PM.
Darryl was a complicated yet dear man.
Darryl was a close friend and will be missed. Have known him for all the time he was the Trooper and then took on as Sheriff the short time. Worked very closely with him at the Sheriff’s Office. Will be dearly missed.
Another fellow High School band drummer here with many shared good times with Darryl. It may be over 50 years, but he was a memorable guy and I’ll never forget him!
Diane, Danielle, Scott & Jeremy, So saddened to hear of your loss! Our heartfelt sympathy! You are in our thoughts & prayers! Not sure if you kids remember, but we were neighbors in the 80’s when you lived on Nelson Court. He was a good friend of ours as well! He will be remembered for his dedication & love for his family, the military & MN state patrol! We will always cherish all our visits, fun gatherings & playing spoons at Bud Richard’s place! He was such a likeable, humorous & easy guy to talk to. We were just reminiscing… Read more »
I worked at the Sheriff’s Office when Darryl started in Houston County and
Also knew Dianne because she also worked for the county. Both wonderful and caring people. Darryl was my boss for a year when he was Sheriff for Houston County. Always fun to see him play the drums when had Xmas parties. Lots of good memories. Darryl will surely be missed. My prayers for his family in this time of sorrow.
Heartfelt condolences to the Peterson Family. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Darryl in 2 capacities during his time with MSP. I first knew of him as a station Trooper while working out of D-2100 [Rochester] and then got to meet him more often when he was promoted to LT and was able to remain in Rochester. He was a guiding influence on more than one occasion during our time together in D-2100, and in fact was a better listener to whatever quandary I may have had than my immediate LT. There are only a select few… Read more »
I first met Darryl in the 80’s when I was an officer in Fillmore County and he was stationed in Houston/Fillmore counties. Then he was my partner in 1988, then my supervisor later. Darryl was one of those partners/supervisors that you never minded seeing. He was always looking out for his partners, and those he supervised. There weren’t any loose ends if he was looking into something for you. When you talked, he really listened. Then again, you never knew what Darryl was up to. Sometimes he would come up with the strangest things that you had to wonder how… Read more »
I am sad to see of Darryl’s passing. Life is ever so fragile no matter how enduring, strong, and steadfast we have been in our lives. In the Book of Ecclesiastes we our reminded ” There is a time to be born and a time to die.” Only God knows our time. Darryl was a man of principle and I saw him as a real patriot who loved his country and served and gave back. He put himself on the line for others. My condolences and love go out to his family and loved ones. God Bless Darryl Henry Peterson… Read more »
I had the pleasure of going thru the State Patrol accademy with Darryl for 16 weeks in in the summer of 1979. He was a reliable, level headed classmate, whose can do attitude had a positive effect on his classmates. Many years later, each of us now Lieutenants, Darryl & I were classmates once more, as we attended the Northwestern School of Police Staff & Command for 10 weeks. Darryl’s humor and positive attitude was again a ray of sunshine, this time in a class full of veteran cops, many of whom hadn’t spent much time in a classroom for… Read more »
Darryl was a person who lived to “protect the public”. Our public years are almost identical: US ARMY (retired); MN STATE PATROL &, LSO! I got to know Darryl best when we worked as Capitol Security, Legislative Security Officers. At the Capitol I would watch him mingle with the public as he told folks stories and explained things about the Capitols history.
Having been in the military myself we shared many, many stories of our service to the country too. Darryl was very proud of his service and his family. Rest In Peace partner .
We had quite the crew during those LSO days at the Capitol….
So very sorry to learn of Darryl’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to Diane and family. I first met Darryl in 1979 when he reported in for State Patrol rookie school. I was one of his pushers (staff officers). Throughout the academy it was evident he had some military background. He was always squared away and alert. We became friends after he graduated and kept in touch. In 1993 Darryl and I attended Northwestern Traffic institute School of Police Staff and Command. He was unanimously voted Mr. Congeniality due to his like ability and willingness to always help. He was very… Read more »
Darryl was a LT in 2100 when I started, then later served as interim Sheriff in my Station. Darryl always spoke wisdom with true heart. I remember once he chewed me out for some dumb thing then before he finished he took the blame himself! He always had our backs and fell on many a sword to protect his Troopers. If you needed something he’d beg, borrow, steal to get it; he’d give you his while he worked his magic. He spoke with great pride of his family and was a great story teller. Darryl was a man of character… Read more »
Very good summation of Darryl. He was a great guy and a dear friend.
I attended State Patrol “rookie school” with Darryl back in 1979. He was a pleasure to be around. A rock steady, and sincere guy that you could count on. He’ll be missed.
Darryl was one of my first Lts from the state patrol. He was always there when you needed help with something or advise. He was a great guy and will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Sgt Peterson’s passing. We became friends when I worked at the front desk at MnDot and Darryl worked in State Patrol. He was quite a character and a good conversationalist. When I was working at MnDot I had Jelly Beans on the front desk. I loved the Black Licorice ones and couldn’t figure out why they disappeared so fast. Well, I found out the culprit one day, Darryl, eating my Black Jelly Bean’s. We had music in common as he played drums and I had a Country Band. We would FB occasionally. He was “full… Read more »
Sorry for your loss. Darryl and I were friends for may years while he worked in Houston Co.
Darryl was such a fun and interesting man to visit with. John and I have fond memories of sitting at your home and talking about so many things. Darryl and I had a particularly good time talking about our music bands. He was so knowledgeable about so many things. He will be so missed. Our hearts go out to Diane and family.
Darryl became a treasured friend when he was a state trooper living in Caledonia, Mn (and later was our interim sheriff for a time) and I worked in Court Administration for Houston County. He and Diane both became friends to me and my husband, Steve. We had some fun times together and went on a little excursion to Arkansas together many years ago. He played a prank on me and put a rubber snake in my bed. However, we (including Diane) put the snake on the sidewalk outside of the home we were staying in – had it heading up… Read more »
Darryl and I served together for years in the Army Guard in Virginia until he became a state trooper and transferred to the Army Reserve. He was a good buddy, a fine man , and thanks for his military and state service. So sorry for your loss.
Even though I have not seen Darryl for about 20 years, I remember him as a kind and funny guy. He is a very special friend to my brother Larry and will be dearly missed. Prayers and condolences to Diane and the family.
So much wisdom and support for me. We didn’t see each other much once I left our patrol division in Olmsted County, but when I did see him he was always there for Q and A when needed. God bless his memory and family and friends.
Rest in peace Sir and thank you for your service to our country and the State of Minnesota.
Darryl as your sister-in-law you are certainly commended for all you have accomplished in serving your country, protecting your community and most of all the love you had for your family. Will miss you!! RIP Dear Man
Deep condolences to Darrell’s family. We had many laughs and later in life still had some common ground, both working for the state of Minn. He for the patrol and myself for Mn/Dot. May he rest in peace!
my deepest condolences to the family. Darrell was a good kind man. He always treated everyone well at least in our schools as I graduated with him, he will be missed by all, but leaves a great legacy for his children and grandchildren to emulate.
As Darryl’s sister, I appreciate a description that he wrote about himself. It will be understood by all who have met him and know his wit. LOL
“Darryl was a complicated yet dear man; not encumbered by the burdens of good character, as he liked to say, and he loved his family.”
I loved him dearly. I miss him.
Darryl will be missed. Prayers & condolences to all of the Peterson family.
Darryl and I grew up together, with my brothers, Gary & Craig. As first cousins we shared many memories of family picnics & get togethers on special occasions. Darryl was a proud Veteran and State Trooper, and in his early years a drummer with many local bands. We stayed in touch through the years, and to my surprise, on day he called me to say, “are you sitting down” he went on to say that through his love of genealogy research on Ancestry, he had found a close family match to my brother, Gary, and I. He dug deeper and… Read more »
I spent much time with Darryl in our 7th-12th grade school years. I met him, as we were both drummers in the school’s bands. I really enjoyed the time I spent with him. I’ve carried many memories of him and his antics with me and they always have given me a good laugh over the years. We not only obsessed and lived drums together, but I also enjoyed his collection of Red Fox records. Many good times and laughs were had. I’ve always respected him and his accomplishments. I know he will be truly missed by those that were fortunate… Read more »
Awe Darryl….one hell of a good Liutenant. He went to bat for us.
I can still hear him signing on the patrol radio….”sp288 Dresbach…”….or “2102 Rochester”….”10-8 for shift”.