Peter James Nisen

Peter James Nisen, 74, of Baldwin-Woodville, died Tuesday December 23, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Peter was born on January 10, 1951 in Menomonie, Wisconsin. He was the son of Arvid "Joe" and Dolores (Rasmussen) Nisen. The family later moved to California, where he graduated from De Anza High School. As a young man, Peter enlisted in the Armed Forces and proudly served in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of E-7. During his service, he was stationed at bases around the world including Japan, Australia, the West Coast, and Guam.

After his honorable discharge, Peter continued his career as a Chief Electronics Technician and later worked for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San Francisco, the heavy-rail public transit system connecting the San Francisco Peninsula with communities throughout the East Bay and South Bay.

Peter had a deep appreciation for nature and the fruits of its labor. His vegetable gardens and fruit trees were carefully maintained and brought him great joy. Without a doubt, his pride and joy were his prairie fields, filled with native wildflowers and grasses. It was rare for him to walk his fields without one of his four-legged companions by his side. His black and chocolate Labrador retrievers-Micah, Enzo, Grizzly, and Star-were truly his best friends.

His love of nature extended to trees and woodworking. Peter found peace and solitude in his workshop, where he loved crafting wooden furniture for family and friends, including beds and chairs. When he was no longer able to continue woodworking, he donated his shop tools to Viking Middle School so his passion could be passed on to future generations.

Peter's gentle heart was evident in the care he provided to his aging mother as her health declined. He was always by her side, cherishing their time together. After her passing, Peter remained a familiar and welcome smile at the clinic and hospital, especially during his own time in cardiac rehabilitation.

Peter is survived by his brother, Alan (Cathy) Nisen; his nephew and nieces, Eric (Melissa) and their children Katelyn and Landen, and Kelly Nisen; special friends Jim Droesch and Andrea (Doug) Albrigtson; along with cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life for Peter Nisen will be held Saturday, December 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with military honors provided by the Baldwin American Legion Post 240. Interment will be private. Memorials honoring Peter's love of the outdoors may be directed to the Giezendanner School Forest - Baldwin. Cremation and memorial services have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.