Richard Francis Peterson

Richard Francis Peterson, 80, of Prescott, departed this world his way on November 8, 2005. Beloved husband of Nancy Gallagher. Born 4/25/25 to Caroline (Hauck) and Edward Martin. Dick survived 3 sisters, Dolores (Joseph) Grano, Virginia (Edward) Meschke, Phyllis (Stanley) Olsen and a brother, Edward (Elizabeth). Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda in 2002. The surviving children are: LuAnn (Eric) Shinault, Cheryl (David) Morley, Nancy (Herbert) Mingace, Mary Olson, Richard E. (Emilie), Patrick Gallagher, Cynthia (Kenneth) Schirmang, Leslie (Robert) Olsen, Mark and Matthew (Robin). 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was an uncle to many nieces & nephews. Dick served in the U.S. Naval Air Force in WW11. After military service he graduated from DePaul University College of Law and practiced in Chicago. He was co-founder, general partner of the law firm Peterson, Bogucki, Bickley and Beck which subsequently became Richard F. Peterson & Associates, Ltd. He was co-founder, general counsel and vice president of Holding Corp. of America and Thomas Jefferson Life Insurance Company and Western Life Insurance Company. In 1951 he married first wife, Joan Homes until her death in 1970. He resided in Northbrook, Illinois until 1978 when he retired in Prescott, Arizona. Dick was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prescott serving as Eucharistic Minister and in other capacities. He and his wife, Nancy loved to travel and play golf. Over the years many have been recipients of his creative and much loved hobbies. He will be missed by all of his wonderful "one of a kind" sense of humor and anxiously awaited holiday letters. Dick leaves his loved ones with many stories to tell for future generations. Visitation will be held at AZ Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home on Sunday, November 13 from 3:00 to 5:00P.M. With a rosary service at 5:00P.M. Funeral mass Monday at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prescott. Interment will be held Tuesday at 11:00am at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 23015 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Prescott Charities, 985 Ponderosa Trail, Prescott, AZ 86303 or Granite Mountain Home Health Hospice 3107 Clear Water Drive Prescott, Arizona 86305.
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