Raymond F. Petersen, age 77, of White, SD, died Friday, October 30, 2015, at home from lung cancer. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the United Methodist Church of White with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Visitations will be 4:30-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Eidsness Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Raymond F. Petersen was born October 14, 1938, in Tyler, MN to Henry and Stella (Hyden) Petersen. He grew up on a farm south of Lake Benton, MN. Ray started operating the family farm at the age of sixteen after his dad died from a heart attack. On May 9, 1959, Ray married Niala Kjergaard at Lake Benton. The couple farmed near Arco and Verdi, MN from 1959 until 1964. At which time, Ray moved his family to Luverne, MN, where he worked in the packing plant. In 1966, the Petersen's moved to Mason City, IA and Cannon Falls, MN, where Ray continued to working in packing plants. In 1977, Ray and Niala moved their family to White, SD. Ray was a dedicated and hardworking father. He farmed; drove semi truck for Foster Farms and TBI; worked at Hanson's Meat Processing; and owned the Gambles Store, Redwood Lounge, and Champs Bar and Grill. Ray also worked for Twin City Fan and most recently drove tractor for Joe Ripley and Rex Collins. Some of you may also know him as the Oyster Man. Ray enjoyed numerous hobbies and interests including: putting together puzzles, hunting, fishing, playing cards, driving tractors, spending time with family, and listening to music. Survivors include his five sons, Mike (Julie) of White, Monte (Jean) of Colton, Mark (Nancy) of Brandon, Maurice of White, and Matt (Tiffany) of White; one daughter, Marlene "Cookie" (Jess) Montis of Mesa, AZ; 23 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Arlene (Dale) Lambert of Verdi, MN; sisters-in-law, Merna (Fred) Salmon of Balsam Lake, WI, Lana (Ron) Fossell of Kennedy, MN; brother-in-law, Steve Kjergaard of Lake Benton, MN; his dog Sophia; many nieces; nephews; and cousins. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Niala; parents, granddaughter, Darcy; brother, Melvin; sisters-in-law, Ann, Cheryl, and Glenyce; niece, Pamela; and nephew, Craig.