Peter Flom

Peter Jerome Flom, son of Jerome and Joyce (Taallerud) Flom, was born January 17, 1973 in Detroit Lakes, MN. At the age of nine months, he moved with his family to Starbuck, where he lived the majority of his life. He attended Starbuck Elementary and graduated from Starbuck High School in 1991. While Peter was in school, he stayed busy with boy scouts, sports managing, babysitting in the summers and he was employed at Pete's Super Market/Tom's Food Pride, Petro-Plus and Glacial Ridge State Park.

Peter's God given talent of music became obvious even as a toddler, after being sent to his room with pots, pans, wooden spoons and the pot covers as symbols. This led to teaching himself piano and becoming involved in Jazz Band, Buck-N-Aires, All State Lutheran Choir, All State Band and Orchestra and accompanying musical groups. The love of music was so strong that it became his decision to make music his life long journey.

Peter attended St. Cloud State University, where he was a member of the St. Cloud Area Orchestra. It was there that he met the love of his life, Heidi Schlaeger. They were united in marriage on September 3, 1994. Through this marriage, they were blessed with three children - Brandon, Madeline and Eleigh. Peter graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in music. While there he was employed by St. Cloud Radisson Hotel. Following their marriage and Peter's graduation from college, the couple lived in Forest Lake for a short time, where they both worked at Norwest Bank in Minneapolis.

Peter and Heidi moved to the Starbuck community in 1996, where Peter worked at Dycast Specialties for several years. He was currently employed by Glenwood State Bank, where he had worked since 2001.

Peter touched many people's lives. He was the director and founder of the Minnewaska Area Drum Line and he gave music lessons to students interested in piano and percussion. At the Glenwood State Bank, he carried on his family tradition of decorating for the holidays. Another passion in life was his self-motivated need to decorate and rearrange on a continuous basis within his family's home. Another joy of his life was photography. He loved to capture the handy work of God. This led to his creativity of arranging silk flowers.

Peter was a born again Christian. He demonstrated grace and had a very strong faith and always knew the right thing to say. He shared his love and understanding with all of his nieces and nephews. Peter always loved being the first to try a new Martha Stewart recipe and would always "allow" his family to be the guinea pigs. He was quick witted and gave great backrubs. He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, son, friend, uncle and nephew.

It was easy to see the Lord through Peter; he loved the Lord whole heartedly and expressed it all the time.

Peter died on Friday, October 12, 2007, near Starbuck, Minnesota, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He had reached the age of 34 years.

He is survived by his wife: Heidi Flom of Starbuck; three children: Brandon, Madeline and Eleigh Flom of Starbuck; his mother: Joyce Flom of Starbuck; one brother: Tim (Deanne) Flom of Isle; two sisters: Joy (Kelton) Carlson of Farmington and Carol (Brian) Sutton of Starbuck; Father and Mother-in-law: Fran and Sue Schlaeger of Forest Lake; brother-in-law: Brent Schlaeger of Forest Lake; sister-in-law: Deanne (Chuck) Knutson of Stacy; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and a special "uncle" of Peter's kids, Eric Ringeisen. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother: Daniel Flom.

Pallbearers for the service are: Nathan Brecht, Eric Ringeisen, Jim McParland, Eric Jensen, Bruce Tanis, Travis Mix, Ron Luetmer and Nelson O'Niell. Special music will be provided by the Hope Community Church Worship Team and the Minnewaska Area Drum Line. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.