Alexander "Alex" Michael Petersen

Born November 22, 1990, in Edina, MN, Alex was the youngest child of Joleen and Mike Petersen. Even at a young age, it was evident that Alex had a fierce love of competition and sports. When he was forced to tag along to watch his older sister’s soccer games, her coach recruited Alex to play on the girls’ team and so began a lifelong love of not just soccer, but all sports. Alex participated in both the Eden Prairie Soccer Association and Travelling programs as a player and referee. He continued his soccer journey at the Eden Prairie High School varsity program. Alex wasn’t just focused on soccer, though. He participated in Karate where he reached his brown belt, played the piano (because Mom made him), and later the trumpet, and was involved in the Cub Scouts.

Alex attended the University of St. Thomas and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Although he suffered an injury that ended his soccer career, he gained a new love of volleyball and continued playing with his friends until recently.

Alex was a devoted son. When his mother, Joleen, was diagnosed with dementia, Alex, along with his dad, was a crucial part of her caretaking team. Together they made taking care of her their sole purpose. He drove her miles back to Eden Prairie so she could meet with friends, using the down time to take a nap in his car while he waited for her breakfast or lunch or book club to be done so he could pick her up – always making sure she had a can of pop with her on the long drive home. Even when Joleen was upset and irritated with everyone else, Alex always knew how to calm her down and get a smile. The gentleness and respect with which he treated her was genuine and remarkable.

Alex earned the title of Uncle to his first nephew Oliver in 2017 and to Wesley in 2020. Much like his magical skills caring for his mother, Alex could persuade the children to do everything their parents couldn’t. In a twist of karmic retribution, Alex’s nephews loved to come over and wake him up from his naps, as Alex did to his older cousins when he was a young child himself.

Alex will be dearly missed and forever loved. Alex was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother, Joleen Petersen, and his aunt, Kathy Spanjer. Alex is survived by his father, Mike Petersen, his sister Amanda (Rick) Scott, his beloved nephews Oliver and Wesley Scott, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life open house will be held on Thursday, August 28th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Huber Funeral Home in Eden Prairie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.