Alexander ‘Alex’ Michael Petersen

Alexander “Alex” Michael Petersen of East Bethel, Minnesota, passed away on Aug. 21, 2025. His sudden passing was unexpected, and his family is heartbroken. Alex was only 34 years old.

Born Nov. 22, 1990, in Edina, 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 traveling 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 Cub Scouts.

Alex attended the University of St. Thomas, where he earned 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, he and his father became a crucial part of her care team. Together they made looking after her their sole purpose. Alex often drove her miles back to Eden Prairie to meet with friends, using the downtime to nap in his car while waiting for her breakfast, lunch or book club to finish so he could pick her up – always making sure she had a can of pop for the long drive home. Even when Joleen was upset and irritated with everyone else, Alex knew how to calm her and bring out a smile. The gentleness and respect with which he treated her was genuine and remarkable.

Alex became an uncle in 2017 with the birth of his first nephew, Oliver, and again in 2020 with Wesley. Much like his gift for caring for his mother, Alex could persuade the children to do what their parents couldn’t. In a twist of karmic retribution, his nephews loved to wake him from his naps – just as he had done to his older cousins when he was a child.

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

A celebration of life open house will be held Thursday, Aug. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Huber Funeral Home, 16394 Glory Lane, Eden Prairie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.