Peter Lopez Jr.

Peter Lopez Jr., age 95, passed away on August 23, 2026. A veteran, attorney, husband, father, and grandfather. He lived a full and active life characterized by intellectual curiosity, self discipline, physical vitality, and a deep commitment to his country.

Peter was born December 15, 1930, in New York City, to Pedro Martinez Lopez and Dolores de Victoria Perez. Of Puerto Rican heritage, he brought to life a strong sense of independence, determination, and responsibility. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lorraine Morine; and brother-in-law, Dominic.

Peter is survived by his wife, Sonja Lopez; sons, Jeffrey Lopez (Linda), and Douglas Lopez; stepdaughters, Sandra Velte (Toby), and Barbara Roubik (Belden Sadler); and grandchildren, Olivia Velte, Connor Velte, Miles Sadler, and Mason Sadler. He is also survived by niece, Lori Elliot; cousins Linda Morales and her son, William Celestino (Sally), and Gini Criscone; and mother of his children, Myrtice ("Penny") Lopez.

Peter graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 1959 and William Mitchell College of Law in 1964. His legal career spanned more than three decades. He worked as an Internal Revenue Agent with the U.S. Treasury Department from 1960 to 1966, followed by two years as an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney. From 1969 to 1980, he was a General Attorney with the Veterans Administration at Fort Snelling. He then served as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Minnesota from 1980 to 1992. Peter also maintained a private law practice for many years.

Peter served two years in the National Guard in New York. And was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as an aerial photographer during the Korean War from 1950 to 1955.

Peter loved being a Friend of the St. Paul and Washington County Libraries, and volunteered with SCORE, a national organization that provides business mentoring and guidance to entrepreneurs.

Peter remained physically active throughout his life and had a lifelong love of sports and the outdoors. He enjoyed handball, tennis, long-distance bicycling, and extended walks. He also loved to travel and explore new places near and far, with a special fondness for the North Shore of Lake Superior and the St. Croix River.

Peter will be remembered for his sharp mind, independent spirit, love of learning, and zest for an active life. He leaves behind a legacy not only through his professional accomplishments and contributions to his community, but through the family and friendships that enriched his life. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

A funeral service will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in West St. Paul on Wednesday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. A light lunch will follow the service, followed by a private interment at Fairview Cemetery in Stillwater.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Operation Smile.