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BORN
1934
DIED
2020
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Daniel Peterson Obituary
Augusta, GA—Dr. Daniel Ray Peterson entered into eternal rest on February 10, 2020. Born in Eli, NE, Dr. Peterson lived the last twenty years of his life in the Augusta area. He was a devout Christian and was a regular attendant at Warren Baptist Church. He was a beloved and exceptional mathematics professor and administrator at several colleges. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a pilot and loved flying and he also loved to garden.
Dr. Peterson was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Peterson and Rachel Garner Peterson and his wives Mary Parker Peterson and Norma Jean Peterson. He is survived by his sons Keith Peterson of California, Gary Peterson of Florida (Chrissy); his daughters Kerri Thole of California (Ken), Julie Surles of Georgia, Janie Ross of Georgia (Brent), Stephanie Bailey of South Carolina (Wayne); 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one brother; two sisters and dear friend Norah Wood.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 29, 2020 at the Warren Baptist Church Chapel. The visitation will be at 1:00 PM and the service at 2:00 PM.
Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com/obits
The Augusta Chronicle - 02/23/2020
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Peterson
Nae
August 8, 2025
May you rest in peace.
Jared Josue Talavera
April 23, 2025
You were very blessed to have had a kind soul like Norah to help you find joy in life again
Darcy
May 9, 2024
Dan was on the news for receiving a hug from little girl, they began to become great friends. Shortly George he died he spent time with this little girl and after losing his wife he was opened up with joy and happiness, this girl restored his heart.
Johnny
April 30, 2024
In this world we live in, people tend to forget what is true meaning of humanity. Even a child can teach us about compassion. We just need to slow down, appreciate what life is all about.
Theresa
June 20, 2023
Dan, continue to live a life of love with our beloved Jesus. I know you´re surrounded by nothing but love, peace and joy. You are missed and loved by many.
Margaret LaRochelle
June 19, 2023
Every since that day when
Norah and her Mom met Dan
in the grocery store and from that day how they became
friends and everything I think
and here about how it warms
my heart and it is the sweetest
story I have ever heard. I will
never forget Dan I sure wish
I had met him and wish he was
family it feels like he was.
Hannah Tomes
June 18, 2023
Even though it´s been over 3 years since you passed, Dr. Dan... your story moved me as I have always loved older people as far back as I can remember... I´m glad there are still little ones in this horrific world that see the value of the elderly!
Julie Kay and Lil Prince Smithson
February 16, 2023
It's been three years since you returned to Heaven and were reunited with your loved ones that went on ahead, but you surely do a lot of smiling as you look down from Heaven on the dear little girl, Norah Wood, that befriended you in the grocery store a few years ago! What a joyful true story that was and how much wonder and love her friendship breathed back into you during your last years! Mister Dan, your and Norah's friendship gave so many people worldwide, peace, hope and love!
Theresa H.
February 15, 2023
God bless you, Daniel. May your life with Jesus continue to be filled with love and peace. You will never be forgotten.
Theresa H.
April 1, 2022
Although its been over two years since you departed, I pray your new Home in Heaven with Jesus is filling your heart with pure love and happiness.
Janice Rowe
December 13, 2021
Saw your lovely story on Face Book, of you and little Norah. A beautiful blessing for you both. Rest in the arms of the Lord.
Ryan A Wilson
October 6, 2021
RIP
Miss Julie Kay and Lil Prince Smithson
February 11, 2021
On the same day, two years later, as Anthony "Tony" Morelli and Eric Joering (two Westerville, Ohio, police officers who gave their lives responding to a 911 domestic dispute call) returned to Heaven in 2018, this amazing gentleman joined them in Heaven. Mr. Dan's life was extended and enhanced beyond measure on that day when his path and Norah's could have crossed in the grocery store, but instead came together and lasted, imbuing them and countless others with joy! Thank you, God, for breathing hope, faith and love into the broken heart of an aged man whose heart had already known the passing of two wives. Thank you, too, for pouring innocence into so many jaundiced souls through the miracles made possible through Your Goodness and Love!
September 29, 2020
Condolences to the family and to his most special angel as he called her Norah Wood
JOSE L AYALA
September 13, 2020
I never met Mr Dan or Norah but I thank the heavens above for Tara and her generosity in sharing the story of this friendship. It's stories like this that give us hope and comfort. Blessings to Norah and family and Mr Dan's family always and may Mr Dan rest in peace as he watches his little friend grow and someday change the world for the better.
May 1, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jeff Slater
April 3, 2020
What a beautiful story that was, thank you mr.Peterson and to nora the beautiful angel that you are and too you mr.hartman for the great story.
SM Stevens
March 14, 2020
Norah - You are a true example of unconditional love in how you reached out to Dr. Dan at the grocery story, helping his through a most difficult & dark time after the loss of his wife. I'm thankful you were there for him in his time of need. May you be abundantly blessed, & may Dr. Dan rest is God's eternal peace.
Marlene McCormick
March 13, 2020
Sending heartfelt condolences to Dan's family and to sweet Norah!! He loved you so much!!
Samantha Lohmeyer
March 13, 2020
I am just finding out about Mr. Dan's passing. I remember seeing the story of Dan and Nora a while back and crying. I am crying again. You were a kind soul you will definitely be missed. RIP Mr. Dan.
Suzette
March 11, 2020
I was so glad I saw the Steve Hartman's segment on Mr. Peterson and Norah. I have never been so touched over a story. It truly was the hand of God moving in this situation, that brought two kindred souls together and brought happiness to thousands by watching it unfold on television. RIP Mr. Peterson .
Annette Lee
March 10, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I first saw your Dad on tv and Norah. It made me so Happy see this little girl bring him so much Happiness when he needed it. It only take a min to change some ones life for good. Keeping you all in my Prayers
Ashley Usher
March 10, 2020
R.i.p your story touched my heart and when i found out u died it made me cry. You will be missed by many. You were an amazing man.
March 10, 2020
I will absolutely sign the guest book. See you in heaven, Mr. Peterson. Thank you for being a part of such a lovely story to humanity. God bless your family.
M. Phillips
March 8, 2020
The real life story of hearts meeting when one heart was sadly aching & was suddenly helped to go on with joyful tender wings attached. As when these wings were gently & sweetly placed upon a sadly aching heart & was done so by an innocent tender hug securing these wings into place upon a heart giving a joyful spiritual lift to this heart. How wonderfully awe inspired this be by a sweet child of pure joy in the heart of friendship. How tenderly poignant & very beautiful is this true lesson in a life story which has touched us. It has taught something which is understood in a deeper & beautiful way with a message and a meaning for all of us. As we have been blessed in the sharing to learn & witness this given vision for our eyes, as well as in the receiving a mindful feeling which has touched such pure hope upon our hearts. All purely gifted by the works of the Angel's which walk amongst us all. Sincerely, may Mr. Dan be upon a joyful path of light & calming peace in his eternal journey. May sweet Norah always have very rich & full blessings of goodness upon her life going forth, with her heart always filled with peace♧ & light☆ & love♡
RONNYE DUNN
March 8, 2020
Victor Lipari
March 8, 2020
My sincere condolences to Dan's and Norah's families.
Dan will live on in your hearts and death in this life can NEVER take away the love that Dan had for all of you and for this life.
He lives on spiritually in your lives and everyone else's who were touched by the INCREDIBLE story with Dan and Norah and her family.
God bless Dan and all of you! xxx000
Victor Lipari
March 8, 2020
RIP in Heaven, Dan! What a life you lived and what love you gave to your family members and friends.
You were VERY blessed to have your VERY special angel, Norah Wood, come into your life when you really needed an angel to give you love, caring and happiness.
Your story with Norah was the BEST Steve Hartman story ever!!
Enjoy your new Eternal Life in Heaven and thanks for touching us all with your story with precious Norah.
And let us also give thanks to Norah's mom and family for welcoming you so lovingly to their family and giving you even more happiness.
Diane Simpson
March 8, 2020
The endearing story of Dan and Norah was truly a gift from God. Their friendship is a beacon of hope and healing for those of us lucky enough to have witnessed it. May we all know the love these two shared. Rest in peace Dan and thank you for your service❤
Kris Kimball
March 8, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dans passing. I live in Baton Rouge and have followed his relationship with Norah since I first saw this story. Loved his smile and the difference a hug can make. Thank you for making me smile. Sorry for all of our loss of this beautiful story.
Lawrence Thomas Jr
March 7, 2020
I just watched the endearing story of the friendship of Norah Wood. and Mr. Peterson .
This touched my heart ,
I have grown because of them .
God Rest his soul .
Kathy
March 7, 2020
Rest in peace Mr Dan. Your sweet relationship with Miss Norah has touched so many hearts and i teared up seeing her name listed in this obituary. My condolences go out to Norah and the Peterson family from Rhode Island.
March 7, 2020
Steve Hartman, a man of integrity and compassion for mankind. His stories of Dan were heart warming. Dan is at peace now, renewed in eternity with God. May his spirit be used for God's purpose on earth as well as in heaven.
Wish I'd known Dan in life, he is surely missed by many.
Rest in peace Dan, That smile keeps going.
Alma Saale
March 7, 2020
I've watched the story about Mr. Peterson and Norah numerous times and my smile couldn't be bigger. I'm saddened to hear of his loss. I know what a great loss to your family it is. You can just tell what a loving and kind man he was. And the same can be said about all of you. How sweet to add Norah's name as his dear friend. My sympathies to you all.
George and Donna Gosheff
March 7, 2020
May Dan Rest in Peace, Memory Eternal. We saw the story of Dan and Nora on CBS News with Steve Hartman and were moved by it. We are saddened with his passing.
George Gosheff
March 7, 2020
May Dan Rest in Peace. Memory Eternal.
K. Coogan
March 6, 2020
The wonderful story about your father and Norah as told by CBSs Steve Hartman filled my heart with joy. Blessings to Mr. Petersons family and friends.
Margaret LaRochelle
March 6, 2020
My thoughts and prayers to Dan and all the family members and the sweet little girl Norah and her Mom that touched your life on that day you met. I feel like I know you and
wished I could have known you and I loved
the hearing about your friendship through
the years and I'm deeply saddened to hear
about the passing of Dan. God Bless You.
Margaret LaRochelle
Sherri
March 6, 2020
God bless you Mr. Dan. Such an extraordinary man and we're so thankful that you let us get to know you.
Myisha Cooper
February 29, 2020
You're a Wonderful Man, having never met you. But by your infectious Love to that little girl told me a lot about you. I'm glad to know that God made sure your last days were some if the best days you could ever have!!
Regina
February 28, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Colleen Canfield
February 28, 2020
What an incredible life and Being. so blessed that he touched my life as he did many others Without ever meeting face to face. Energy is never destroyed, only rearranged. May his presence and spirit now be felt even more by all his loved ones, Norah, and everyone else that had the amazing opportunity to meet this man. Rest In Peace and beauty.
Sherri Merritt
February 26, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Albert Boudy
February 26, 2020
To the Peterson Family, the Department of Georgia Disabled American Veterans expresses our heartfelt sympathies on your loss of Dr. Peterson. Words are never adequate in moments like these. You are in our prayers during this difficult time. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. Always remember the joyous memories of the times you shared with Dr. Peterson. May these memories give you comfort for his life was rich because of you. May God's grace comfort and strengthen you. Rest in peace Comrade and Brother-in-arms Dr. Daniel Ray Peterson. Department Chaplain Albert Boudy
Caroline Johns-Guttormsen
February 25, 2020
I met Mr Dan through Facebook and the news stories of his and Nora's meeting . I loved reading the updates of their friendship and special bond that they shared. I loved that age was no barrier to their friendship. I think their meeting changed their lives for the better. I was saddened to hear of Mr Dan's passing, as he became a friend in a sense. Love prayers and thoughts to Mr Dan and his family and to Norah and her family. Who knew how two people with years apart could bring so many people together through their power of friendship . RIP Mr Dan xxx
Cindy Hampton
February 25, 2020
Your heart was lost when your wife had passed and sewn back together with the Love of Norah! You have gained your Angel wings with the purest hearts! May you rest now! God has blessed you and all of those around you!
Yolanda Arce
February 24, 2020
My deepest condolences to Mr Dan's family and loved ones; I knew of him because of the story published in Facebook about his friendship with Norah Wood
A deeply touching story that shows the power of the human spirit and a wonderful example to follow
Rest in peace, dear Mr Dan
Linda R
February 24, 2020
Wishing peace and love for you, your family. And sweet Norah and her family. God Bless You All!❤
Linda R
February 24, 2020
I also met Mr Dan and Norah on Facebook thanks to
Tara Wood, (Norah's mother). What an absolutely wonderful and really genuine friendship they shared. Everyone in the Wood family adored him. Norah was able to break through and invited him into her world and her entire family showed him a world filled with love again after his beloved wife passed. What a fantastic story of love, patience and acceptance. Mr Dan and Norah taught us all a beautiful lesson. Were we watching? Did we learn from these beautiful people? I truly pray that we did. Mr Dan you will be missed by many, sir. Rest In peace Mr Dan. May your family, friends, Norah and her family also find peace at this time.
Linda
Mary Joy
February 24, 2020
I was inspired by you and Norah Wood story. My faith in humanity is restored. And I believe genuine relationships knows no boundaries. God bless your family and your friend Norah Wood, Mr. Daniel Ray Peterson. And I also like your name btw ❤.Rest in peace Mr. Peppermint and God Bless your soul.
Sally Murphy
February 24, 2020
Mr. Dan , you brought much joy to the life of a little girl and to the lives of many others. What a beautiful story and legacy you gave left.Thank you and may you sing with the angels in heaven. Sally Murphy
Tammy Rogers
February 23, 2020
Please accept my deepest condolences. Mr. Dan was admired by many people who didn't even know him due to the notoriety surrounding his friendship with little Norah. With the small glimpse we all got of his love and generosity, I can only imagine how dear he was to those closest to him. I will fondly remember Mr. Dan and the purest kindness he exuded. May he rest in peace.
Laurie DeMotts
February 23, 2020
I didn't know Dr. Dan personally but, he and Norah touched my heart. I loved following their visits. I will miss this sweet man and Norah. RIP sweet Dan. Hugs to you little beautiful Norah. Mr. Dan is smiling down on you. I'm sure he's told his wife all about you. You touched his heart with lots of love. ❤
Leslie
February 23, 2020
Because of one little girl millions of people you never met loved you. My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Dan's family, friends, and sweet Norah. May you rest in peace.
Hh
February 23, 2020
He is now getting hug in heaven
February 23, 2020
Mr.Dan I saw your story on the News you left a great legacy here. Rest In Peace.
Amy McIntire
February 23, 2020
My life was made brighter by the joy of following the story of Mr Dan and Norah. The love they shared occasionally brought me to tears. God put them into each others paths to be a light for others. Thank you so much for allowing us to journey along in a small way. The world got a little dimmer when Mr Dan left. Prayers for strength, love and laughter to Mr Dans family and Norah and her family.
Kimmie Cury
February 23, 2020
We have loved seeing the sweet friendship Norah shared with you these past few years- its amazing how someone you have never met can make you feel full of happiness & hope in tough times. Thank you Mr. Dan for letting us in and share in the love ♥ You wont be forgotten xoxo
February 23, 2020
I have been following the story Of Norah and Mr Dan since it first was on CBS. It is so wonderful to know how his life was changed by his special friend. I hope Norah is doing ok and I know Mr. Dans wife is so happy that he is with her and happy to know he had such a good friend.
Ginger Blalock
February 23, 2020
"Mr. Dan," I feel blessed to have known you just a bit through Norah and the wonderful friendship you two shared. Blessings on your family and your treasured friends whose lives will be dimmer without you in it. Ginger Blalock
Phillip Trapaga
February 23, 2020
Dear Woods family , thank you for bringing the story of Mr.Peterson and Norah to ya around the world . It has been a constant joy and reminder on how beautiful life can be . To Dr.Dan , rest in peace and hug your family up in heaven . Pray for us down here on earth . Hugs to you sir . To Norah , am sure you are feeling sad because your dear Dr.Dan has moved on , but rest assured he is in a wonderful place looking after you from heaven . You are the kindest soul Norah and you should be proudof yourself for being a sweet compassionate girl .
Beth K
February 23, 2020
Bless you Mr Dan. Sounds like you led a wonderful life & left a great legacy. Though I & thousands of us never met you in person, your beautiful friendship with Norah & her family endeared you to all of us & made your our own Grandpa. I will miss the pictures & stories of your visits. They say a life well loved is a life well lived.....and you were definitely loved by all! Godspeed Mr Dan. You will not be forgotten.
Paul Gaudet
February 23, 2020
Always loved and will never be forgotten. You and Norah made a positive impact on so many lives.
Sharon L
February 23, 2020
It was my joy learn about Mr. Dan through Facebook. The story of he and Norah brought tears to my eyes, so I followed the adventure. What a blessed man to have such a colorful background, a large family, and then a tiny girl to befriend him and love him. I wrote him on occasion, and he always wrote back. May he rest in eternal peace, knowing how treasured he has been.
Lauren
February 23, 2020
I certainly love your stories about you and Norah. You made an impact on her life. Rest In Peace, Mr. Dan!
Vicki Highfield
February 23, 2020
God speed, Mr. Dan. You have touched the hearts of many.
Kim Biles
February 23, 2020
I have loved watching Mr Dan and Norah's story unfold. It has brought so much joy to me. I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Dan's passing. Condolences to your family.
Melissa
February 23, 2020
From the first time I saw you in the news with Nora, to the last news of your passing. You brightened my heart showing not everyone is dismissive of a child. RIP Mr. Dan-great to meet you through the media
Julie Lane
February 23, 2020
I never met Mr. Dan in person, but was blessed to know him through his beautiful friendship with little Norah and her family. I sent Mr. Dan a card and he took the time to write back a sweet note. I will miss him.
Jackie G
February 23, 2020
Been following your sweet story for many years now it brought so much joy to my life. Seeing the innocence of a young life appreciating an older life and wise beyond her years. Your friendship was precious and special. Now you are in Heaven with your loved ones whom Im sure youve missed dearly. I lift your family, Norah and her family and all your friends up in prayer as Im sure they are missing you dearly. And they should know that you are always with them. The bond you had here will always remain, though you may be physically gone spiritually youve never left their side. May you rest in eternal peace.
Ida Yancey
February 23, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Colleen Axtell
February 23, 2020
My sympathies to Mr. Dan's family and to Norah and her family. This friendship was magical and I will miss seeing them together and hearing their story. I wish more children were like Norah and would befriend senior citizens. I'm sure Mr. Dan is with his beloved wife and will be watching over Norah and her family.
Jim
February 23, 2020
Rest in peace and may others learn to be like you.
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