March 4, 1957 – July 24, 2026
Bryan Robert Peterson, 69, of Ely, MN, passed away on July 24, 2026, at Ely Bloomenson Hospital with his family by his side.
Born March 4, 1957 in Two Harbors, MN to Robert and Floss (Anderson) Peterson. Bryan graduated from William Kelley High School in Silver Bay, MN. Bryan was a hard worker who loved his family. He drove a school bus for 5 years at William Kelley School District. In 1984, he moved his family to Ely where he worked for Reserve Mining Company and Leustek and Sons. Around the same time, he joined Kuehl’s Logging crew, which turned into a 28-year career. He later worked for St. Louis County Public Works until retiring in 2022. Bryan enjoyed his nights at the G.E.L. with June an friends, and their pull-tab wins at the Wabbit. You could hear his laugh from a mile away, well before you even saw him. Bryan had a special gift that could make everyone around him smile and enjoy the moment. He was always happy and it showed in everything he did. Bryan’s family and friends will forever miss his infectious laugh and his signature smirk. He will be deeply missed, especially by his dog, Buddy.
Bryan is survived by his long-term partner June Brandriet; son, Casey (Ammie) Peterson of Ely, MN; daughters, Kelly Peterson of Chisholm, MN, Kristy Vincent of Warrenton, MO, Kayla Morris of Kissimmee, FL, Kassie (KC) Greenly of Pine City, MN, and Ashlie (Pete) Frisch of Sandstone, MN; grandchildren, Mackenzie (Patrick) Kerntz, Mitchell Peterson, Beau Peterson, Bryce Rant, Nash Hren, Jackson Hathaway, Maddie Hathaway, Keegan Vincent, Kallie Gilbert Jayvion Morris, Phileah Morris, Phillip Morris, Kyle McDonald, Kooper Greenly, Kelsie Greenly, and Brett Hanson; great-grandchildren, Kaiya and Carson Kerntz; sister, Dode Dugas; sister-in-law, Kelly Peterson; brothers, Bob (Crystal) Peterson, Tedd (Bobbi) Peterson; several nieces and nephews, and special family members Jason, Liz, Max, and Alex Brandriet.
He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Floss Peterson, brother Brad Peterson, and sister-in-law Heather Peterson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Grand Ely Lodge on August 22nd, from 1-5 PM. A private family burial will take place in Two Harbors, MN a the Lakeview Cemetery.
