Obituary

Richard Allen Peterson, age 96, passed away on August 24, 2020 in Surprise, Arizona. He was born on November 3, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Rudolph and Ruby (nee Thompson) Peterson.

Richard (Pete) is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Aurel (nee Foss) Peterson; his children, Renae Gallen (Jeffery), Rick (Brenda), and Leanne Herrmann (Paul Narlock); his nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, sister, and son-in-law.

Upon graduating from Roosevelt High School, Minneapolis in January 1942, Richard joined the U.S. Navy in February, training for Parachute Rigging in Corpus Christi, TX. He went on to serve with an anti-submarine squadron in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans until December 1945. After WWII, he enjoyed working as a movie projectionist while putting himself through college and beyond, and was named a Lifetime Member of the “International Alliance of the Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Technicians of the US & Canada.” He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1950. His career in engineering brought homes and employment in Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana though General Mills, Continental Electric, Allis-Chalmers, Westinghouse, and GKC. He retired in 2002 while living in Dyer, IN.

Richard was always generous with his time, talents and affection. His service work included Lutheran church council positions and being an energetic school board member for 12 years. He actively participated in his children’s extra-curricular and school activities. He always maintained keen interest in people and life, showing great enthusiasm for whatever anyone else was interested in; truly a “salt of the earth” guy.

Richard was a kind, patient, loving, hardworking and peaceful man. He was an avid card/game player (while sipping Pepsi!), passionate about cars and cameras (capturing many memories of his beloved family members) and was fascinated with electronics and how things worked. He loved to tinker and was the original “DIY” guy. Richard also appreciated music; playing the piano and French horn, dancing, and listening to the radio and his favorite albums. His passion and love for family and community is his legacy and he will be forever loved and missed. (He also gave the best hugs!)

Services will be held at a future date with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.