Daniel “Dan” David Peter, age 52, passed away on December 25th 2022 at his home outside of Circle, MT.
Dan was born in the town of Pigeon in Huron County Michigan on Friday July 10th 1970. He was the youngest child and only boy born to Melvin and Grace Peter. He was welcomed into the world by his “much older” sisters Ella, Carol, and Janet.
Dan was always a wild child and getting into mischief per stories told around his family kitchen table. One story that would surface anytime family was together was when Grace had “lost” Dan and he was quickly found atop the bale elevator going into the hay-mow at 4 years old. Grandma and Grandpa had to think of timeout other than putting him on the top of the refrigerator as he was obviously not afraid of heights. Another time, Dan got so upset Melvin left him at home to go do field work that as a 6 year old he walked a mile down the road to go find his dad and ride on the tractor, leaving everyone at home franticly looking for him.
His mischievous ways didn’t cease and followed him well into adulthood, often helping to make the wild ideas of his 3 boys into realities. Whether it was bringing the tractor over to the trampoline to act as an elevated platform to do tricks off of, which he joined in on, or teaching the boys how to “properly” attach a rubber band to the kitchen faucet sprayer to accurately drench the next unsuspecting target to use it. (Sorry Aunt Carol)
Dan’s love of adventure continued onto running his own hounds coon hunting, walking the creeks of Huron County fishing for suckers and bluegill, and sitting on stone piles waiting for the big buck to walk out of the woods of Michigan. Eventually this turned to hunting coyotes on the prairies, tubing and fishing on Fort Peck, and scouring the Missouri Breaks for elk in Montana.
On October 9th, 1993, Dan married Anna Strand and over the course of 5 years had 3 boys just as rambunctious and adventurous as their father. After they were married, Dan worked for his cousin Orin’s water well drilling business. In 2001 they moved cross country to Montana, where he worked for his father-in-law’s business, Strand’s Farm Supply. Eventually after Marvin retired, Dan went to work in the oilfields of eastern Montana and western North Dakota for Nabor’s Drilling, working his way up to the position of Driller. Dan was an active member of the Circle Volunteer Fire Department, often competing in footraces to be the first to respond, McCone County 4-H, and Masonic Lodge. He spent his free time working on vehicles, playing paintball, and helping the boys with their 4-H animals. He enjoyed playing “Michigan” card games like Euchre and Crazy King as well as learning Whist well enough to join the north Circle traveling card parties. A traumatic brain injury in the fall of 2011 sent him into early retirement where he spent the days playing solitaire, watching old westerns, and helping his boys and neighbors whenever they called.
Although practical jokes were his specialty, he always made sure his boys would succeed in life with the life lessons, practical knowledge, and personal values. He taught us the value of hard work and sacrifice, the ones you care for come first, when life knocks you down get up and rub some dirt on it, and to always think outside the box. If he ever asked “What do you know today?” and you responded with “it takes a big dog to weigh a ton.” He would no doubt chime in and remind you “or a bunch of puppies”.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Grace Peter, niece and nephew Sarah and Joshua Thurmond.
Dan is survived by his sons Michael Peter, David Peter, and Eric Peter, his sisters Ella (Dean) Weltin, Carol (David) Thurmond, and Janet (Bert) Soper, and his many nieces and nephews and friends.
The family would welcome stories, remembrances, and cards to be sent to 453 Spring Creek Road, Circle MT 59215.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Circle, MT. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Circle, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday December 31, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
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Maureen Stiles says
Dear Peter & Strand families,
You have our heartfelt sympathy in the death of your beloved father, son, son-in-law, & brother-law, Dan!
Dan was always so friendly to us!
We’ll miss him! Rest In Peace, Dan!
Love & prayers,
Jim & Maureen Stiles
Ella Weltin says
To my baby brother Dan. Such a special bond. You were always in and will always be in my heart. I will miss you. I’m glad we were able to see each other last summer. You have the best family. Your boys grew up to be fine men, and we are all so proud of them. May your spirit be free of pain and you regain your witty and jolly self. Till we meet again, love you more, your much older sister: Ella.
Bruce Stambaugh says
To the Peter and Strand Families , so sorry for your loss .
Dan and Anna raised 3 fine young men .
Dan will be missed, see you on the other side cousin
Bruce Stambaugh
Bianca Zambrano says
To my cousins, Michael, David and Eric and my Aunt Anna; sending you strength as you grieve your loss. Let it all out and celebrate your fond memories.
My most distinct memory of my Uncle Dan is during a Christmas get-together at Grandma Grace’s house. He had a new prank to share with his nieces and nephews. He raised us up to the “ceiling” tapping our heads with board but giving us the illusion we were way up high. Then told us to jump. I can see him with the wood board as my sister went first and his notoriously mischievous smile as he tapped her head and said ok now jump! Of course she only a few inches from the ground.
Perhaps a good lesson for all of us to take, to lean into our silly side and create our own fun…xoxo
Ralph and Sally Lehner says
To all of Dan’s family especially his boys, our deepest sympathy is with you. Dan was a great guy. Treasure your memories.
Peggy Ames Nerud says
Anna, Micheal, David and Eric,
We remember Dan’s smile and friendly manner. He was so upbeat. We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and hearts.
Peggy and Chuck
Denise Haynie says
Michael, David and Eric,
We know it hurts to lose the ones we love the most. May the Lord give you strength, courage and peace in this hard time. Cast all your cares, worries and anxieties upon Him as He cares for you and watches over you. The Lord has made all three of you into mighty wonderful men. Don’t forget your earthly father and your heavenly father both love you very much. Praying for the Lord to prosper and protect all three of you in this hardship. Love and prayers, Joel and Denise Haynie
Ken Wolschlager says
Anna Michael David and Eric I was blessed to have known Dan before he became a husband and father of 3. You all made him so happy. He was so proud of his boys. When he called I always told him he and Anna did a great job raising you. I wish I could be there for you to give hugs and share tears just remember you always have family in Huron county .
Love ken and beth
Dale Linda Eugster says
Michael, David, and Eric, I am so sorry for your loss. I was blessed to know your Dad from the age of 5. We were neighbors and my oldest son, Kurt is the same age as Dan. They were wild children together and enjoyed many of the same mischievous activities. Dan liked being at our place and Kurt loved going to the farm with Dan. They both got into the paint battles as teenagers. Your Grandmother Grace and I were friends and I miss her also. Once again, I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers .
Marjorie Moore4064853570 says
So sorry for your loss of Dan. I wasn’t on Facebook so had no idea he had passed. I remember Dan always smiling. Condolences to everyone.