Richard Delano “Dick” Peterson passed away peacefully in his sleep on his ninth day in Hospice at Holy Rosary Residential Living. Dick was born in Mill Iron, MT at the family homestead on January 15th, 1934. He was the youngest child of Louis O. and Anna M. (Hodson) Peterson. He joined older siblings Louis (Bud), Carl, Virginia (Kip), Dan and Eleanor. Dick grew up and attended elementary school in Mill Iron. When he reached high school, he and his mother moved to Ekalaka, so he could attend school there. He was proud to be a Carter County Bulldog, participating in football, basketball, and track. He tried to play the clarinet and cornet in band, but he later confessed he had no ear for music. He graduated in 1952 and enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1954. This was the beginning of 40 years of service to his country. Dick graduated boot camp at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA and went overseas to attend winter training at Camp MT. Fuji, Japan. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and later at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Honorably discharged in 1956 with a 6-year extension, he joined the Montana National Guard serving a record 38 years. He loved being in the National Guard and never complained about his duty weekends or the yearly 2 weeks of summer camp. His duty took him to areas across Montana and the Western United States along with a month-long tour of duty in western Germany. He developed many lifelong friendships along the way.
He moved to Miles City in 1956 and worked for Beacon Carter Service and Nance Motors. In 1956, while out dancing he met a young lady named Lucy. They courted and he married Lorraine (Lucy) Hodgson on June 21st, 1957. They welcomed daughter Tanna (Pumpkin Head) in April 1958 and son Mark (Tadpole) in May 1960. Thinking the family was complete they moved to the house on North Jordan and daughter Kristi (Puddin) came along in May of 1969. Dick was a mechanic at Deluxe Motors for almost 20 years, known for being good with transmissions and carburetors. With the automotive industry changing to electronics and computers, Dick did not want to relearn his trade, so in 1980 he started work in the maintenance department at the Montana State Highway and later at Friendship Villa. In 1989, he started at Holy Rosary Hospital, dedicating 20 years of service, retiring there at the age of 75 in 2009.
Dick, a quiet man, enjoyed working in the garage and in his large, beautiful garden. He was well known for always sharing his garden produce with family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed visiting with folks over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table and if anyone needed help with anything he would be the first to offer. Dick was also a favorite grandpa to all the family and neighborhood pets, and they all loved to visit his house for an always available treat.
In August of 1996, his wife Lucy passed away suddenly, and he has missed her immensely these last 26 years. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Louis (Bud) and Carl, sister Virginia Jardee, sisters-in-law Norma Jean Peterson and Elizabeth (Betty) South, brothers-in-law Clifford (Cliff) and William (Will) Hodgson and nieces Wendy Hodgson and Joanie Gunther.
He is survived by daughters Tanna (Bret)Aye, Kristi (Scott) Toennis and son Mark (Lisa) Peterson, grandchildren Scott Aye, Shelby (Josh) Huber, Colby and Emily Toennis, Sean and Bailey Peterson, great grandchildren Grayson and Addy Huber, Ellie, Easton, and Enslie Toennis, all of Miles City. He is also survived by a sister Eleanor Elmore of Miles City, a brother Dan Peterson of Glendive, MT, a sister in-law Arlene (Joanne) Hodgson of Miles City, a sister in-law Anna Jane Peterson of Casper WY., a Cousin Annie Petroff of Miles City, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go out Jackie Bremer, Council on Aging, Wel Home Care and VA Services of Miles City for helping Dick stay in his home until April of this year. Also a special thanks to Tom and Lola Carlson and all his great neighbors for helping Dick.
Please make any donations to the Custer County Fund for Animals for their spay and neuter program.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 30th, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment with full military honors will follow at the family plot in Custer County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday June 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the funeral service.
Thursday June 30, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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James Arneson says
Tanna,Mark and family, I spent a lot of time training in the desert with your dad. What a wonderful man, I will never forget his smile and chuckle. He served very proudly in the MTARNG.
Cheryl Peterson says
Uncle Dick, we miss you already. However, it’s a blessing you are now without pain & can walk as much as you wish – maybe even plant another garden! We picture you laughing with Lucy, & visiting with Gram, Grandad, Dad, Virginia, Ivan, Denver, Joani, Jean & all the rest of the family who have gone before us. You have left us with some great memories & we know you are watching over Tanna, Mark, Kris & families. Rest in Peace, Dick.
Condolences to all the family from all of Bud’s family.
Love, Cheryl
Cheryl Ruppel says
So sorry for your loss. Dick worked at HRH when I did and was always so happy and anxious to help everyone.
Jackie says
Tanna, Scott, Kris I’m so truly sorry for your loss. I will miss him so much. It was a such a pleasure working and getting to know Mr. P.
Wes Hodgson says
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences. I always will remember uncle Dick working out in the garden. May he rest peacefully.
Dave Schott says
I knew Dick from a time when he worked with my dad at Deluxe Motors. He was one of their top mechanics and an all-around nice guy. I’m sorry to see he has passed. My sympathy to the Peterson family.
Wayne Hodgson says
Tanna, Mark, Kris, and all of your families,
So sorry to hear about Uncle Dick’s passing. He was one of the great characters that gave out neighborhood such flavor and color. May he rest in Peace and always be remembered.
Linda Wyse says
Tanna, Kris and families sorry for you loss he will be missed by many
Gina says
Tanna, Mark and Kris, am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My thoughts and sympathies are with you all. Gina
RS says
To the Peterson family so sorry about hearing the passing of Dick.. What a man he was we chatted alot when we ran into each other… i joined the Guards way after he retired but Dick and i would chat about it alot.. he was a gentle,tender guy and ya told me soooo many stories of his CAV. days in the guard…. once again my thoughts and prayers are with u all in this tine of sorrow… remember the good times as memories will Never Ever Fade away …
Bob & Cindy Flotkoetter says
Tanna and Mark, so sorry to hear of the passing of you dad, myself and Cindy will keep you in our prayers.
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
Tanna, Mark, and Kris, So sorry to hear of Dick passing away. He will be missed.
Linda Hodgson says
Tana and families, so sorry for your loss. Now he’s back with Lucy. Sending prayers for you all 🙏💕
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Tanna, So very sorry for your loss. Thinking about you and sending prayers your way.
Lorilee Becker says
We are so sorry for your loss, I have such fond memories of your dad from HRH, you are in our thoughts and prayers… With love, Ryan and Lorilee Becker
Roger Gamble says
To the Peterson Family. Sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Gamble’s
Vicki Morikawa says
Tanna, Mark and Kris your Dad had a quick and sweet smile. Loved it when Grandma Peterson would make divinity during Christmas time and really only made it for your Dad! She knew he loved it. Beautiful obituary keep all his memories in your hearts.
Lynn Holland says
Peterson Family,
Sorry to hear about Dicks passing. My Dad knew him when Dad and Mom
lived on N. Merriam.
Lynn Holland
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Sorry to hear of Mr. Petersons passing. I remember the family on North Jordan and all our night outs playing ball or hide and seek. Some great memories.
Joan Bunke says
Tanna, Mark, Kristi, and families:
I am so very sorry for your dad’s passing! The tears won’t stop. I adored your mom and dad. Remember when he’d wrap his arms around Lucy when she’d be sitting at the table. He’d flirt and she’d say “oh, go away old man.” She’d brush his hands away and laugh at same time. So many memories….precious & forever marked in my memories.
Such beautiful, down to earth people. Salt of the earth. I spect they are catching up visiting with Shirley and Dennis, Willie and Wanda….they had so many friends!!
Each of you are a tribute to their parenting.
All of my love,
Joan
Dee Bickle says
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Eileen Entzel says
Sorry to hear about your father. you are in my thoughts and prayers
Burch and Linda Palmer says
Great life Richard. Thank you for all the great meals you prepared for us in the guard. Thank you for your 40 years service.. See you down the line old friend. Burch and Linda Palmer
Barbara Schon says
Sincere Condolences Extended To Mark, Tanna , Kristi & Families..
Saddened To Hear That Your Lost Your Precious Daddy..
Keeping Each Of You Lifted Up In Prayer..
Sending Love and Hugs..
Lorene Rowland says
Dick was a member of our Carter County High School graduating class in 1953, not 1952. He was a quiet and sweet presence in our Ekalaka world. I was from S Carter County at Albion so only knew him in school. I am saddened he didn’t attend our reunions. According to this obituary he led an idyllic life and that makes me very happy. I boarded at Ward’s the first two years and read here that Anna Jane is still living-i think she was the oldest Ward daughter-married to Bud.
May your many happy memories comfort you all as you grieve the loss of this fine man.
Lorene Anderson Rowland
Cathy Pyle says
So sorry for your loss🌺 Dick was one of my favorite hospital coworker always giving me a bad time & visa versa!
With love, Cathy Neumann Pyle
Dave Atkinson says
Sorry about your loss. I spent 23 yrs in the guard with Richard. The one thing I remember the most is how green he looked every time we had to board a plane. He was a good freind
Tracy Toman says
I have such great memories of Aunt Lucy and Uncle Dick from when I was young…always playing in the yard and everyone always so happy. I’m so sorry for your loss, cousins, but I am happy to think of Uncle Dick back with his Lucy. Love to you all. Tracy.
Michele Mickolio says
So sorry to hear of your loss. I heard many lovely stories. Peace be with you all.
Michael Mangen says
So sorry for your loss, I too served with him, he was a great guy.
Mike Mangen
Mary and Don Luhr says
Kristi and family,
So sorry to hear about Dicks passing. I always enjoyed talking to him at work when he would make his rounds through the lab. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.