Peter Sahlstrom

Peter Sahlstrom, age 79, of Milaca, passed away Monday, October 21, 2024.  Funeral services will be held Monday, October 28, 2024 at 11 AM at Milaca Evangelical Free Church.  Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Milaca Evangelical Free Church.  

Loren Peter Sahlstrom was born on October 4, 1945, in Milaca, Minnesota to Rodney and Lona (Jones) Sahlstrom. He died on October 21, 2024. He will be greatly missed.

He grew up on Sahlstrom Road with his eight cousins, being the next to youngest in age. He and his cousin, Mary, were exceptionally close and remained the best of friends throughout their lives. 

In 1963, he graduated from Milaca High School and went on to attend St. Cloud State University. Peter enlisted in the Army in 1970 and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict until he was honorably discharged in 1973. He returned home to Milaca and began working at Mosford Implement in Foley though soon found his true calling as a mail carrier. He knew the streets of Milaca extremely well and could recite residents’ addresses from memory. He was often seen walking to and from his work with his head buried in a book, a habit he carried into his final days.

In his free time, Peter spent many years logging statistics for high school football and basketball games for the local sports reporter. He drove all over to attend these games, often bringing along his nieces, nephews, and cousins. Those car rides were spent reciting Bible verses, quizzing each other on states and capitals, and learning the opening lines to poems, historic documents, and speeches. Even after he no longer captured statistics, Peter remained a loyal sports fan and regularly attended events, from high school all the way to the big leagues. 

Peter was a great uncle who deeply loved his nieces and nephews, and later his great-nieces and great-nephews. He often attended their school events and was always present at birthday parties and holiday celebrations. He also enjoyed gathering with the Sahlstrom cousins at their monthly lunches. As the family historian, he would bring a photo or piece of family history to every gathering.

In his later years, Peter found much joy in being a member of the Milaca Historical Society and working at the Milaca Museum. He faithfully marched with the Milaca Alumni Band from its inception, toting his large baritone up and down the streets. 

More than anything, Peter loved Jesus. As a lifelong member of the Milaca Evangelical Free Church, he faithfully attended services each week and gave generously to church ministries and other missionary organizations.

Peter is survived by brothers Wesley (Caryl) Sahlstrom and Thomas (Donna) Sahlstrom, nieces and nephews Sheri Sahlstrom, Robyn Sahlstrom, Sean (Michelle) Sahlstrom, Heather Sahlstrom, Matt (Melissa) Sahlstrom, Joel (Cara) Sahlstrom and Megan (Mathew) Harten and great-nieces and great-nephews Violet, Beatrice, Bennett, Emma, Elliott, Theodore, Winifred, Luella and Lona as well as the extended clan of Sahlstrom cousins.

He was preceded in death by parents Rodney and Lona, grandparents Carl and Sarah Sahlstrom and Archie and Norma Jones.