Donald Elroy Peterson, age 84, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2013 in WolfPoint.
Donald was born July 17, 1929 in McIntosh, Minnesota, to Helmer Sigfred Peterson and Hannah (Holland) Peterson. He attended the Lindsay country school where he graduated from the 8th grade. He then worked on the family farm until he joined the Army. Donald was a veteran of the Korean War where he earned 3 Bronze Stars and the UN Service Medal. He married Catherine Escarcega in May 1961 in WolfPoint. Together they had three children, Lois, Gary, and Lori. He also helped raise his two step-children, Florence and Russell.
Donald worked for Franz Construction as a heavy equipment operator. When he retired from this he became a Jack of all trades, and worked on farms. Also, to keep busy, he collected cans for extra money, that is how he got the nick name the Can Man. He liked watching the Weather Channel, Westerns and western books, and he liked spending time with his family.
He is survived by his daughters; Lois Eder (WolfPoint), Lori Peterson (MilesCity), Florence McKay (WolfPoint); and son Gary Peterson (WolfPoint). His grandchildren; Stephen Eder, Jessica Eder, Channing Eder, Austin Peterson, Heather Daniels, and Catherine Daniels, all of WolfPoint, and Dana McKay of Arizona. Also his brother, Roger Peterson of Wisconsin and sisters; Phyllis, Ruby and Judy of Minnesota.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Cathy, brothers; Glen and Andrew, sister Margaret, and step-son, Russell.
A funeral service with military honors will be held Monday, August 26, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in WolfPoint. Cremation will follow the service.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 26, 2013
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer St.
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 26, 2013
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer St.
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Daniel, Noreen, & gabby Hohman says
Gary and Lois, so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Our prayers are with you
Ellen says
Rest in peace Uncle Donnie .
Love Ellen & Bruce
Warren & Bev Evans says
We will miss him around town picking up cans.
SSG David E. Boyd Sr. says
Don I remember you knocking at the store’s back door for cans and always had a smile and hello.
Franklin D. Chopper Post 61
Brockton, Montana
Considers it a honor to perform your military rites on Monday
SSG David E. Boyd Sr.
Commander
Michelle Barsness says
My condolences to your family. He will greatly be missed around town.
Joyce [Jackley] Bickford Baer says
Hi Florence (Flossie) My sympathies on the loss of your father. May happy memories sustain you and God comfort you in your sorrow.
If you want to get in touch I live in Canby, MN 56220 @ 214 2nd St. E.
Nettie Fuentes says
Rest in Peace Uncle Donnie, please give everyone with you a Big Hug for me
Nettie
Judy Nephew says
I will miss the winters when you came home . You let me go with
to town to visit the Kellers. One of the biggest and best surprises
was coming home from school to find a new televisions bought by Donnie !
My condolences to Donnies’ family . Prayers and many thoughts also to his
Whole family ! I’m his youngest sister .
Phyllis Kiecker says
Blessed be his memory. May he rest in God’s eternal presence. With love from his older sister
Sue (Watterson) Johnson says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had great respect for your dad and appreciated his hard work at keeping our community “clean”. I remember stopping him one day and asking his name as I felt I wanted to know who he was beyond “the can man”. He responded “Peterson” and we talked a moment before shaking hands. Now, with this obit, I know more of his story. Please know that I will miss him and, am sure, many in Wolf Point must be feeling the same. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.