Richard Peterson

Richard Allen Peterson, 87, died peacefully June 7, 2021 at Dougherty Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born August 5, 1933, in Sioux Falls, the son of Carl and Anna Peterson.

Richard married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Beck on July 25, 1954.  He entered the US Army 3 months later; spending 2 years of service in Oberstein, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1956, returning home to meet his 16 month old son, Thomas.  August 1957 welcomed the birth of their daughter, Deborah and their family was complete in 1962 with the birth of their daughter, Dawn.

Richard worked 20 years at Reedy Business Machines and following a career change worked in the Sioux Falls School District Maintenance Shop for another 20 years.  He retired in 1995 at the age of 62.

Richard has been an active member of St. John Lutheran Church since 1961, serving in many roles including Council President and was a helpful frequent flyer usher extraordinaire.

He devoted his post retirement years to helping Barbara in church related duties- often working behind the scenes in necessary jobs that garner little attention.

Richard was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Seeing him interact recently with his youngest grandchildren was truly a blessing.

Richard was an avid supporter of his children and grandchildren’s extra-curricular  activities ranging from freezing football games, rainy track meets, scorching hot baseball and soccer games, lively dance recitals and mediocre school concerts,

Special thank you’s extended to Ceili Cottage, Dougherty Hospice, VA Hospital, family and friends for all your support during these challenging yet endearing years.

Richard is survived by his wife Barbara Peterson of 67 years; his children, Tom (Marty) Peterson of St. Cloud, MN, Deb (Mark) Dunn of Sioux Falls, SD, Dawn Peterson of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren and Fez the cat and Cupcake the dog. 

Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will take place at St. John American Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton, SD.  The family invites their guests to join them for a time of food and fellowship following the burial at the church.

Richard is survived by his wife Barbara Peterson of 67 years; his children, Tom (Marty) Peterson of St. Cloud, MN, Deb (Mark) Dunn of Sioux Falls, SD, Dawn Peterson of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Matthew, Casey, Tyler; four great grandchildren, Eleanor, Conrad, Easton, Mildred;  Fez the cat and Cupcake the dog.