Peter Taylor, age 63, of Isanti died March 20, 2012 at Del Sol Hospital in El Paso, Texas. A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 27th at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, March 26th at our Isanti Chapel and also 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Peter William Taylor was born July 15, 1948 in Malta, Montana to Alfred and Dorothy (Lindner) Taylor. He graduated from Princeton High School where he excelled in track, setting a school record in the mile run. Pete served his country in the US Air Force from 1967-1971 and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. He worked at Crystal Cabinets, Cambridge State Hospital, Isanti County Sheriffs Boys Ranch and most recently at Cummins in Fridley. On March 20, 1991 Pete married Kathandra Johnson-Carlson. They made their home in East Bethel and then Isanti. Pete enjoyed traveling, playing softball, collecting things, especially NASCAR items, concerts and going to auctions. He also liked watching sports on TV, especially the Vikings. Pete was a compassionate person who loved helping people. Family was central to Pete and his grandchildren meant the world to him.
Peter W. Taylor died March 20, 2012 at Del Sol Hospital in El Paso, Texas at the age of 63 years, 8 months and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; Al and Dorothy; son-in-law, David Mertz; brother-in-law, Dennis Peterson and niece, Jenny Peterson.
Pete is survived by his wife, Kathandra; son, Jason Carlson of Isanti; two daughters, Kelly Taylor of St. Francis, Jessi Mertz of El Paso, Texas; two brothers, Rick (Linda) Taylor of Princeton, Al (Debbie) Taylor of Princeton; sister, Lorene Peterson of Moorhead; brother-in-law, Gerald Johnson of Pine City; three grandchildren, David, Kristina and Kelly; and by many other relatives and friends.
David Peterson says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Pete always had a smile on his face, and was quick to laugh at what was going on around him. When I think of Uncle Pete, I always go to the same story. Pete was up at our house in Moorhead, and decided to take a bike ride. He put my little sister Mandy (who was probably about three at the time) in the baby seat of my Mom’s bike and rode around town. When he got home he told us that he was amazed at how friendly everyone in town was. He said that cars were consistently honking and waving to him, and after a while it got a little odd. He then realized that his co-rider was enthusiastically waving to all passers by. It was funny to watch him tell the story, mimicking Mandy’s actions. He will be missed.
Dave, Saunya, KaiMing, and Baylor Peterson
Roger & Sandi Peterson says
We are so sorry to hear about this sad news and wish there was something we could do or say to help. Pete has always been such a nice kind considerate caring guy. Of course he had his ‘entertaining’ side too and I remember when we had CornerAcre how I looked forward to Pete stopping in as then I knew all would cheer up with his sense of humor and wit. What a shock this must be to all. Your loss is our loss too. Roger & Sandi
Lorene Peterson says
I will miss my big brother forever. We are such a small family, and the loss of one of us is hard on all of us. Pete always had a smile on his face, and loved a good joke or funny story. Growing up, I always admired him (as all little sisters do) he was a cross country and track star, he was a sharp dresser with a kooky sense of style, he drove first, got a job in town first and was the first to leave home when he joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Germany and I envied his opportunity to live in Europe! This loss is so unexpected and it is awfully hard to take. Kathandra, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Debbie Powell-Taylo says
From Pete’s Babb, Montana relatives, Please know you are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We wish we could be there.
Mark Brander says
I was fiends with the younger Taylor boys through High School and didn’t meet Pete until his discharge from the Air Force and we became instant friends. Of course everyone who met him became his friend, because he had such a likable personality and sense of humor.
We were part of the many Softball Teams together and as Carl Hallbeck had said to me when he heard of Pete’s passing “He was the spirt of our CJ’s Cove Softball Team”, and think Carl was right on with what Pete meant to us all. We will all miss him. Our hearts go out to The Taylor Family.
Jill says
My sympathy to the entire Taylor family. I attended Anoka Tech. College with Lorene and went home with her to her little house in Princeton quite often. We had a great time as I remember!!! Those were the days…………..
Debbie Taylor says
It is so sad to lose yet another very loved family member. Our times spent together doing Christmas in July and watching the SuperBowl games at Pete and Kathanra’s beautiful homes. Good times! I loved listening to those Taylor kids tell their stories. So many laughs. We are a family that enjoyed being together and made a point of doing it as often as possible. I will miss Petes gentle hugs and smile. Your were a beautiful soul that left us way too early. We are all going to miss you.
Mandy Peterson says
It was so sad hearing about the passing of my Uncle Pete. It was always wonderful seeing him at family gatherings. I looked forward to getting a big hug and talking and laughing with him. I will miss him very much. I am so sorry for your loss Kathandra, Kelly, Jess and Jason. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Edwardh says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Pete from the State Hospital days. He was a great guy. My deepest condolences to you, Kathandra and the rest of the family.
Sue
Janice Hugget Peterson says
I knew Pete(or “Pedro”)from the Woodward Brook Sunday School and 4-H Club. Our families were friends and neighbors when the Taylor’s lived in the country. Dad and Al loved horses and Dad bought Skeeter and Penney from him. I was the little sister that tagged along with Gary, Dale, Carol, Allen, Pete, Lorene, Rick and Alfie. Dorothy always welcomed extra kids in her home and that is where I learned to dance to rock n roll. Pete and my mother shared a birthday on July 15th and her day was always brightened when Pete would call and wish her Happy Birthday even after the families hadn’t seen each other for many years. His bright smile will be missed by many on earth, but welcomed in our heavenly home, until we meet again. :)
Don Harman says
Well, Pete my old buddy, They say the good all die young. 63 is way to young, but I’ll always cherish the memories of the times we had together. I told Lorraine when she called with the news that I was just talking to my daughter and son-in-law about Pete & the times we shared in high school. Pete & I were “buds” on the track & cross country teams, I succeded him as captain. I have to admit that I was the one usually looking at Pete’s backside not him mine! Probably the best memories were the times we shared in my ’48 Plymouth roaring up & down hiway 169 or across hiway 23. We pretty much owned the Princeton to Milaca to Mora corridor in the mid 60’s. I never heard Pete say bad thing about someone and am sure all who knew him would say we are better for knowing him. God’s blessings to the family during this time of loss.
Jim Hennessy says
I grew up with Alfie and Rick and met Pete when he came back from Germany. We would go over to his place when he moved in across the street from them. He was always the gracious host. Later I worked with him at JN Johnson. Always in a good mood and made your day. I saw him a couple of times in the last few years and he hadn’t changed a bit. There are not enough people in the world like him and that makes me sad he’s gone even though he’s in a better place. I’m so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.
JERRY HENNESSY says
I was also privleged to grow up knowing the Taylors very well and it was Dorthy Taylor who nick named me Crow when I was in the 8th grade . Later When Pete returned home he allowed us younger kids a chance to hang around.
It was there that many of the funny stories were told and many jokes and pranks were pulled but Petes old boot trick with his beer glass cow boy boot was the topper.
Many of us fell for that one and some fell for it twice.
all ways fun, all ways laughing, that was the Taylor gang. Pete, Rick, and Alfie, some of thest friends a guy could ever have and their sister Lorene was nice to me as well and when she took Alfie and myself to see the Wood stock movie, we were like kings,
my deepest condolences for all the family.
your old friend Jerry Crow Hennessy
BROWNS VALLEY MINNESOTA 56219
Steven C. Robideau says
From a fellow classmate and Air Force veteran. Pete as a good guy you could not beat him for a good friend. I share prayers for the family, I know he will be sadly missed by many. One good thing came of it he is with God almighty and his parents and friends in heaven.