Minnesotan who invented skate sharpener dies at 95



Published Dec 24 2001 (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

Arthur G. Peterson, who invented the E-Z Sharp skate-sharpening machine used
by professional and college teams, municipal arenas and sporting goods
stores throughout the world, died Friday. He was 95.

Peterson, a skilled machinist, began making the devices in his basement to
sharpen his children's skates, said his son Richard of Woodbury. The
business grew as others began asking him to make sharpeners.

After retiring from his job at Capitol Gears in St. Paul at age 65, he
devoted himself to the skate-sharpening business full time, working with his
son Glenn, who moved the business to Stacy, Minn.

Peterson, of St. Paul, also invented a fishing depth finder.

Other survivors include daughters, Harriet Sarracco of White Bear Lake and
Charlene Nelson of Maplewood; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Peterson died after a year-long battle with prostate cancer.

Private services are planned.

-- Associated Press and Heron Marquez Estrada