Donald A. “Pete” Peterson passed away unexpectedly from natural causes, unrelated to the current pandemic on December 26, 2020, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT.
Don was born on Father’s Day, June 17, 1945, in New Rockford, ND. His parents, Ernest and Adeline Peterson, lived in Warwick, ND at that time, along with Don’s older brother, David. The family moved to Montana in 1950, first living in Great Falls, then moving to Cut Bank for a few years, and then moving back to Great Falls where they would remain.
Don graduated from Great Falls High School in 1963. He worked at the downtown Safeway store on 1st Avenue North, near where IGA is today, and eventually became the Produce Manager. During that time, Don enlisted in the Montana Air National Guard in May 1965. In December 1966, he accepted a full-time position in Base Supply. Don would eventually make promotion to Master Sergeant (E-7). In February 1980, he was commissioned as a Captain. Don served over 30 years and retired as a Major in 1995.
While a senior in high school, he met his beautiful bride, Cherie, but they would not go on their first (blind) date until August 16, 1963. Don and Cherie were engaged on August 16, 1965, and married October 8, 1965. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Don became a ham (amateur radio) operator in 1968, eventually gaining his Advanced license. His call sign was WA7JLA.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the O'Connor Funeral Home website.
