John Russell Peterson
January 14, 1942 ~ September 3, 2014
John R. Peterson, 72, Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at Bethany Home in Sioux Falls.
Visitation will be 4-6:30 p.m., Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 8, also at Heartland, with Pastor Lee Green officiating.
John Russell Peterson was born January 14, 1942 to Russell and Dorothea (Storsteen) Peterson in Veblen, SD. He attended school there through the fourth grade when his family moved to Sisseton to run the supper club and bowling alley. John was a true scholar. He graduated from Sisseton High and attended Northern State College. After graduation he took a position with the Social Security Administration. John was a hopeless romantic by proposing to the love his life, Cheryl on the 9th hole of the Sisseton golf course and hiding the engagement ring in a vocabulary book he had hollowed out. They married on July 5, 1969. John worked for over 25 years for the Social Security Administration. After his retirement, he sold long term care insurance for another 20 years.
John was very enthusiastic about everything he did. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, and planting rocks. But most of all, he loved his family and spoiling his grandchildren. Golf was John’s passion. He started playing when he was very young and would hitch-hike to the course in Sisseton to play and won many tournaments and awards. John was a very kind and generous person who would help anyone, any way he could. His fun-loving sense of humor was seen by everyone who knew him.
John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cheryl; two children, Heidi Peterson, Sioux Falls, and Ben (April) Peterson, Brandon; three grandchildren, Hunter, Jacob, and Harper Peterson; and two sisters; Jean (Dean) Banek, Sioux Falls, and Joan Neyra, Greenville, TX.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dorothea.
In lieu of flower, memorials can be made to the Brandon Valley Booster Club in John’s memory.
My wife Patti and I bought long term care insurance from John and I’m so glad that we did. Patti has been a nursing home resident here in Brookings for nearly four years. John was very kind and friendly and we’re so saddened by news of his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Maurice “Murph” Monahan
Cheryl and family,
We were so sorry to read of John’s passing. We are keeping you in our prayers, and please know that all of your friends mourn with you.
Love and Peace,
Denny and Sue
Cheryl, Heidi & Ben, I am so sorry to hear about John. He was a special person and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Condolences to the entire family and God bless. Dick Westby
John will be remembered in our prayers. He was a kind and gentle man may GOD bless him.
Although I didn’t know John well, I enjoyed his sense of humor. His love for Cheryl and his family was evident in his smile when he spoke of them! He’ s planting flowers in heaven.
Prayers to the Peterson Family.
I enjoyed many lively discussions with John during work outs at the “Y”. He will be truly missed.
Cheryl & family,
I was sorry to read about John’s passing. I can remember celebrating several holidays at your home as well as Augie homecoming lunches. Your family are in my thought & prayers.
Cheryl, Ben and Heidi. I am very sad to hear about John. I remember so many great times with all of you. John was a great coach and Cream Puff always seemed to have golf clubs, soccer balls or tennis raquets in the back. I was always impressed when John would take time to play horse in the driveway, show us how to swing a golf club or make us his famous tuna salad sandwich. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl and family, our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Enjoyed John’s enthusiasm when Ben and Kyle were in sports together. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
very sorry to hear that john has gone to heaven. he was a member of my 1960 high school class an well be missed.
We got to know John at the Y and then as our insurance person. He was so kind and helpful. He loved to tell stories about his family. Our thoughts are with you.
Cheryl and family I am sadden to hear of John’s passing.
Love and Memories live forever during this difficult time, may you find comfort in the wonderful times you shared together.
With Sympathy
Joanne Bendickson Wollan
John was a great insurance agent. We already miss him.