James Richard 'Pete' Peterson
James Richard “Pete” Peterson
James Richard “Pete” Peterson, 71, passed away July 2, 2017, at Genesis Healthcare in Whitefish.
He was born Aug. 18, 1945, in Kalispell to Don and Dorothy Peterson. At a young age he moved with his family to Libby where he attended school.
He was a Navy veteran, serving three years and was honorably discharged. After the military he worked at J. Neils Lumber Co., was a carpenter on Libby Dam, built bridges for Matelich Construction, and was a sawyer for Bob Peterson at Happy’s Inn.
He married Judy Iverson and they lived at Happy’s Inn where they welcomed first daughter Jamey and second daughter Janelle. In 1981 they moved to Juneau, Alaska. He worked for the state of Alaska for a few years, then bought a septic tank and porta-potty business. While in Juneau they welcomed third daughter JoMarie to the family. He was very proud of his three daughters and loved them very much.
He was a very accomplished skier and taught his daughters how to ski. Jim loved to drive around the back roads hunting for grouse. He just loved being in the outdoors.
Jim was a very gentle, kind and giving man. He was always just a phone call away and would do whatever he could to help. He didn’t have many material things, but that didn’t matter; it was his love of his family and friends that defined him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Don and Dorothy Peterson, and sister Marilyn.
Surviving him are his three daughters, Jamey Kirschel (Paul), Janelle Earls (Dan), and JoMarie Travers; and seven granddaughters, Reyna, Analiese, Geneva, Alexandra, Madison, Audrey and Giselle; brothers, Don Peterson of Libby and Ajo, Arizona, Doug Peterson of Winnemucca, Nevada, and sister, DeeDee Peterson Balum, of Polson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The families would like to thank the staff at Genesis Healthcare in Whitefish and Frontier Hospice for the extraordinary care Jim and his family received. You are all truly special people.
No services are planned at this time.
Condolences may be sent to DeeDee Peterson Balum, P.O. Box 7044, Kalispell, MT 59904.
Donations of any kind in Jim’s name may be made to the VFW Post in Libby.