Tilman J. Peterson was born on February 25, 1908 in Kempton, North Dakota, the son of Henry and Johanna (Ives) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Northwood, ND and completed LaSalle Correspondence School.

Tilman entered the United States Navy on September 12, 1944 and was Honorably Discharged on November 11, 1945. He owned and operated the O. P. Electric in Thief River Falls. He was a Master Electrician.

Tilman was united in marriage to Helen Horgen on May 24, 1976. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was active on the Properties Board and Friday morning mens breakfast. He was also a member of the Thief River Falls American Legion Ekelund-Holmstrom Post.

Tilman is survived by his wife, Helen of Thief River Falls, MN; six children: Joan (Ervin) Laber of West Fargo, ND, James (Betty) Peterson of International Falls, MN, Jeri Yandow of St. Albans, VT, Darrell (Marianne) Peterson of Dayton, MN, Tim (Sandra) Peterson of Thief River Falls, MN and Margo (Gordy) Peterson of Thief River Falls, MN; six grandchildren: Patti Laber, Mark (Idalia) Laber, Treavor Peterson, Eric Peterson, April Peterson, Kent Peterson; one great granddaughter, Laura Laber; one brother, Emil Peterson of Northwood, ND; one sister, Ida Thorstenson of Northwood, ND; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Engwald, Magnus and Helmer; and sisters: Milla Peterson, Selma Holweger and Dagny Conrads.