David J. Peterson

Mr. Peterson transitioned to glory on August 30, 2017, at St. Peter’s Hospital, Helena, MT.​David was born on Oct. 18, 1937, in Fosston, MN.; the son of Arthur and Lillian(Geldaker) Peterson.  While growing up, he attended school through the fifth grade in Fosston and then moved with his family to the neighboring town of McIntosh where he graduated in 1955 from McIntosh High School. From 1955 to 1958, David served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp CVA and CVS 18.  He served in both the Pacific and the Atlantic and was in Beiruit-Lebonon conflict in summer of 1958. Following his honorable discharge, he married Dorothy Olson and began his work career in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN.  For 2 years, he worked for a private detective agency as a patrolman.  In 1960, he became a truck driver, driving cross-country and city routes for Dohrn Transfer and other companies.  After he and his wife divorced, David continued driving for 28 years.  He then worked as a machinist at Limpro Inc. for 4 years.  In 1993, he retired and moved to Townsend, MT. David was a member of Teamsters Local 120 in St. Paul, MN. for 13 years; a life-time member of VFW Post 10010, in East Helena, MT.; a member of the Moose Lodge, in Helena, MT.; and served on the church council at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, in Townsend, MT. David was a pilot and enjoyed flying.  He owned his own airplane but had to quit flying due to health reasons.  He loved to dance and to be with his many friends.  David was an avid fisherman and a skilled hunter who loved the outdoors. Survivors include his nephew, Mark Rausch of New Prague, MN; nieces, Terri Manning of Apple Valley, MN, and Susan Witthuhn of Blaine, MN.; and nephew, Scott Sieg of Mora, MN. Preceded in death by his father, Arthur Peterson; mother, Lillian; and sisters, Carol Kies and Audrey Skowran.​Funeral Service 11 AM Friday, September 15 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-ROSEVILLE, 2130 N. Dale St. @ Cty Rd B. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation from 10-11 AM Tuesday at the funeral home.