Runyon C. Peterson

Runyon Cathro Peterson of Fargo, ND died peacefully at home with his wife and family by his side at the age of 85 on Saturday, September 02, 2006. Runyon was born on March 27, 1921 to Ralph and Minnie Christianson Peterson in Litchville, ND and was Baptised on May 15, 1921. He grew up in Dilworth, MN, and was confirmed May 26, 1935 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. Runyon graduated from Dilworth High School in 1940. He then became employed by Northern Pacific Railroad. He started as a fireman shoveling coal on steam engines. In July 1942 he entered into the Army. He married Elaine Lere on September 1, 1944 in Dilworth, MN. Last Friday was their 62nd wedding anniversary. Following their marriage they moved to Durham, NC. Soon after, he went to Europe to serve with General Patton's 3rd Army, 89th Division. Runyon was with the 1st platoon to discover and liberate 2 concentration camps, Buchenwald and Dachau. One of the survivors of the Buchenwald was Elie Wiesel-Author of "Night." He was honorably discharged in February of 1946. Runyon continued with his work as an engineer on the Northern Pacific R.R. until his retirement in May of 1982 after 42 years of service. Runyon enjoyed spending the summer at Big Pine Lake. He loved to fish and taught many grandkids and friends from Sunset beach the art of fishing. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, and deer hunting. In the falls, Elaine and Runyon traveled to Friday Harbor, Washington to visit Klarese, Elaine's sister. In the winters they enjoyed friends and fun in Brownsville, Texas. In 1981, Runyon was honored to go to Washington D.C. to the World Liberator's Conference to share pictures and stories regarding the liberation of the concentration camps. His contributions are stored in the archives of the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. In 1982 after his retirement, he spent many years speaking and educating the public of the reality and horrors of the Holocaust. Runyon was a charter member of Dilworth Lutheran Church; member of the Dilworth Lions Club, Fargo Eagles, and life member of the VFW Post 1223 of Moorhead. He was also a proud member of the Retired Railroad's "Liars" Club. The most honored to share in his life; Wife, Elaine of Fargo; sons, Wayne and wife Kathy of West Fargo, Mark and wife Marian of Dilworth; 7 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Angie, Kevin, Elise, Michael, Isaac, Katie; and 2 great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Miquela. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Minnie Peterson, grandson Matthew Peterson; and sister-in-law Klarese Dorpat. The family expresses their special thanks to Pastor Mark Asleson for countless hours of caring and listening; Hospice of the Red River Valley and caregivers; Kathy, Tara, Muriel and Bethie, the #1 pest.