Charles “Danny” Roscoe Peterson passed away on Sunday evening, September 24, 2023, at the age of 96 at Tender Nest Assisted Living in Billings, MT.
Danny was the 4th child born to Louis Oren and Anna May Peterson on the family homestead on Monday, March 14th, 1927, in Mill Iron, Carter County, MT. Nicknamed “Danny” as a child by his older brother “Bud”; and it stuck! He grew up with his five siblings along Box Elder Creek in SE Montana. They swam in the creek, rode horseback seven miles to school and helped in the garden. That love for gardening stayed with him and he recently boasted over 280 cantaloupe and Norma’s jam made with Danny’s raspberries was delicious!
In March of 1945, shortly before turning 18 and graduating early from high school where he was class President, Danny enlisted in the Navy. Upon his return he moved to Glendive and worked on the road crew for the State of Montana Highway Department for a short time before moving on to Robin’s Mobil for a couple years. He opened his own shop “Danny’s Auto Repair” shortly after meeting Norma Jean Starr in 1949 at a dance at the old Montana Inn on a school night, she was just 15 and he was 22. They married on August 29, 1952, at the Glendive United Methodist Church and celebrated 69 years together before Norma’s passing in October of 2021. They traveled to Germany, Alaska and many trips to Vegas and Laughlin. They leased property at Rock Creek for over 35 years and spent every available weekend there. Later, they went south for 15 years to St. George, UT, for a couple months every winter enjoying golfing with new and old friends.
Danny was a “doer”! He built our home and shop, spent hours in the garden, and was an accomplished slalom skier and accordion player learning by ear as a child. He played often at the senior center, nursing home and occasionally at church where he was a lifelong member. His kids knew every song by heart! Danny was an active Moose member for years and was elected Secretary in 1970 and served as Governor for one term. He also loved golf and a good poker game. Danny and Norma’s love of dancing though, topped all other activities!
In 1966, they paid host to a famous guest, author Pearl S. Buck, a Nobel prize winner. After her Bentley limousine developed engine trouble, Miss Buck was recommended to visit Danny’s Auto Repair business based out of his home. A brief stint at the house resolved the fuel pump issue and Dan was left with a story to tell for years to come!
Danny is survived by his four children: Peggy Lynn (Michael) Allen of Kila, MT, Tracy Jean (Jim) Toman of Maple Valley, WA, Rodney Dan (Cheryl) Peterson of Sidney, MT and Judy Kay (Jim) Rowse of Billings, MT; sister Eleanor Elmore of Miles City, MT, sister-in-law Anna Jane Peterson of Casper, WY; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean, brothers Louis James “Bud” Peterson, Carl Theodore Peterson, Richard Delano Peterson, sister Virgina Olga Jardee and nephew Mark Lunde.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the Glendive United Methodist Church in Glendive. Interment will follow in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Saturday October 14, 2023
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne St.
Glendive , Montana 59330
Interment
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Saturday October 14, 2023
Dawson County Cemetery
Glendive , Montana 59330
Luncheon
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday October 14, 2023
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne St.
Glendive, Montana 59330
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Saturday October 14, 2023
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne St.
Glendive , Montana 59330
Interment
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Saturday October 14, 2023
Dawson County Cemetery
Glendive , Montana 59330
Luncheon
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday October 14, 2023
Glendive United Methodist Church
206 W. Towne St.
Glendive, Montana 59330
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Joe says
Rest in peace.
Karen Morris says
My parents, Bus and Charlee Morris, knew Danny and his family for years. They held him in very high regard. May you find comfort in your memories.
phil anderson says
Always a pleasure to talk to Danny as a mechanic or golfer. Danny always had a smile or laughter to make your day Rest in peace Danny
Fulton Castleberry says
I remember Danny driving his new Studebaker on the streets in Ekalaka when home from the navy. In the early sixties I worked on a ranch South of Glendive. The feeding outfit was a Jeep pickup and a couple of nights he worked on it after supper so that I could feed range cows the next day. Thank you again Danny
Merrill Kauffman says
It was always a privilege to go to Danny’s when my vehicle needed to be repaired. I new he would do a good job at a fair price. What a great legacy he left.
Cheryl Peterson says
Uncle Dan, I will miss your service, but know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your never-ending jokes make me smile every time they come to mind. The music you and Dad could play kept everyone’s feet moving. Rest in Peace and enjoy the visit with all who’ve gone before. Love you!
Nancy and Terry Pedersen says
We are so sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. What a long wonderful life he lived!! It was a pleasure to watch he and Norma Jean dancing. My dad had Danny work on his pickups and cars. Norma Jean always talked about how she and Terry’s mom, Colleen, should have been in the hospital near the same time when Terry was due.