Peter Macdonald Prenzel-Guthrie, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 15.

He is survived by his wife, love of his life and best friend, Regine Prenzel-Guthrie; his daughters, Pamela Guthrie, Lisa Guthrie, Victoria Jones (Charles) and Alison Guthrie; his former wife, D. Mariea Guthrie; and his grandchildren, Zachary Johnson-Guthrie, Mikala Ferguson, Logan Jones and Mac Jones.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Gabriel Ferguson.

Peter was born in Seattle to Edwin and Helen Guthrie and was a veteran of World War II, serving as an infantryman and driver. He loved the family place on Whidbey Island, Wash. and visited as often as he could.

Peter spent most of his adult life in Northfield, Minn., where he taught psychology and served twice as department chair at Carleton College from 1960 until 1992.

His interests were in the nature, causes and treatment of developmental delay, the history and treatment of people with mental retardation and the areas of cognition, motivation and learning.

His passion for psychology was contagious, and he inspired and mentored many students with his positive attitude, holding as a high priority doing what was needed to bring out their best work.

Peter loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time outside, walking and biking in clement weather, cross-country skiing in the winter, sailing, hiking and camping.

His love of travel brought him repeatedly to explorations of Europe, Canada and Mexico.

He was known for his good humor and cheerful manner, his humility and compassion. He had a great love of reading, a fondness for world music, sea shanties and cowboy songs, photography, wood-and canvas-working and caring deeply and actively for his community.

A special thank you to the Northfield Care Center, where Peter resided for the last months of his life in the loving care of this special place.

The memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Carleton Chapel with a reception at the Carleton Great Hall after the service.

Memorials are preferred to the Northfield Union of Youth.

Arrangements are with the Benson and Langehough Funeral Home, 507-645-5123 or www.northfieldfuneral.com