Darrell Manfred Peterson, 90, of St. Cloud, MN and formerly of Princeton, MN passed away January 6, 2024 at the home of his son in Peyton, CO. 

He was born August 10, 1933 in Faribault, MN to Carl and Lillian Peterson.  Darrell attended Minneapolis North High before joining the Marine Corps in 1951 starting him on his lifelong path of service to country and community.  After combat service in the Korean War, Darrell studied Business Administration at the University of Minnesota before launching his 20-year career of supervision and management in the direct mailing and production industries with the Minneapolis Star & Tribune, Fingerhut, Investors Diversified Services (IDS) and Marvin George Builders, Inc. supervising up to 400 employees at one time. 

It was in Moorhead, MN where Darrell met and married Virginia Makedonsky.  They were married on May 10, 1958,

In 1975, he and Virginia, resurrected The Flat Iron Tavern in St. Could, MN. Together, they built quite a following and legacy with the World Famous Darrellburger, Ginny's Chili, Darrellick ice cream cone and revolutionary 'greaseless fries' made using an air fryer.  The Darrellburger was voted 'Best (Damn) Burger in St. Cloud' from the St. Cloud Daily Times for several years in a row.   Many a patron left with a full stomach, a piece of Bazooka bubble gum for dessert and a shoutout from Darrell to 'Hey.... write when you find work' as they headed out the door.  After the Flat Iron closed in 1992, Darrell worked at O'Hara's in St. Cloud bartending for a period of time while they served up the famous Darrellburger with Darrell's blessing. 

Darrell avidly supported local sports through his committed sponsorships with Sports, Inc., St. Cloud University Athletics, St. Cloud community men's, women's and co-ed softball, men's basketball, broomball, bowling and golf teams and even a Flat Iron demolition derby car to name a few of the sponsorships.   The Flat Iron was known for some pretty competitive teams that played hard and partied harder.  Many a night was spent celebrating a tournament win to the sound of 'Dropkick Me Jesus through the Goalpost of Life' blasting on the Flat Iron jukebox.

Darrell was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Marine Corps League.  

He was instrumental in the proliferation of cribbage through playing and education of young and old in Central Minnesota.  He is a lifetime member of the American Cribbage Congress.  He proudly displayed his '29 Hand' plaque and referred to it often. He was passionate about teaching the younger generation how to play by introducing cribbage in schools to help strengthen their math skills.

Along with his love for cribbage, Darrell enjoyed playing golf, coin collecting and deciphering number puzzles.  He was a diehard Minnesota Gophers, Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan.  (We won't talk about when he burned his purple sweater after a Vikings Super Bowl loss in the early 70's). 

Darrell further supported the St. Cloud community through his service delivering Meals on Wheels with Virginia and volunteering as an escort transporting patients all over the St. Cloud VA Hospital facility.  In Princeton, MN, he served on the school board for 6 years and was proud of his work with the Princeton Jaycees supporting the city-wide Polka Days event where everyone polka'd in the streets.  Darrell was an excellent polka dancer!

Darrell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia of St .Cloud, MN; a son, Ken (Jeri) Peterson of Peyton, CO; a daughter, Kari (Barclay) Mead of Ozawkie, KS; a sister, Dorothy Stish of St. Anthony Village, MN; 6 grandchildren, Kirstin Weaver of Monument, CO; Amanda Peterson of Medford, MA; Derek Peterson of Medford, MA; Lily Peterson of Portland, OR; Cherish Shaner of Portland, OR, Bailey Meir of Houston, TX ; 6 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-Dennis and Darcy Peterson; and one sister-Dona Dillon. In accordance with his wishes, Darrell was cremated.  The family will have a private ceremony with a memorial gathering to be determined at a later date. 

Darrell was a strong advocate for veteran's assistance, youth sports and support of local businesses.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to organizations supporting these entities would be preferred. 

The family welcomes hearing any 'Darrell' stories or stories about any memorials and how the organization was selected. 

The family wishes to give a special thanks to the St. Cloud VA Medical Center care and rehabilitation staff and the Pike's Peak Hospice & Palliative Care nurses and caregivers for their kind and thoughtful attention to Darrell's and the family's needs.

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