Duane A. Peterson

Duane A. Peterson passed away peacefully on July 12, 2020, after a short illness. Duane was born on a farm near Garretson, South Dakota on April 20, 1928. He was the eldest of six siblings and lived on farms in the Alcester/Canton area until his family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 14. Upon graduation from Washington High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After he was honorably discharged, he moved back to Sioux Falls and shortly thereafter enrolled in a trade school in Minneapolis. His advanced schooling was cut short, for when the Korean War began, he was recalled to serve in the military. He chose to re-enlist in the newly formed Air Force. While he was stationed at Stoneman Air Force Base in Pittsburg, California, he met and married Betty Louise Freeman. They had three children, Margaret, Craig, and Ruth. In 1971 Duane retired from the Air Force and the family moved to Concord, California. In the spring of 1972, Duane was hired as an Apprentice Air Craft Mechanic at Alameda Naval Air Station. He served as a civilian employee at Alameda until he retired in 1993. Duane and his family were active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 49 years. In retirement, he was a member of the VFW, and he and Betty were actively involved in the local chapter of NARFE, serving on many local and regional boards. Preceding Duane in death was his beloved wife of 68 years, Betty and his son, Craig; his parents, Christine and Alfred; his brothers, Dale, Glen, Roger; and his sister, Muriel. He is survived by his brother Verlyn (Connie) of Seminole, FL; his daughters, Margaret Clark-Mayfield of Central Point, OR, and Rev. Ruth Peterson of Martinez, CA; and his daughter-in-law, Sharon Peterson, of Pleasant Hill, CA. He is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and several nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him. All who knew him will miss Duane very much. He was a kind man with a big heart and an ever-present smile. He loved God and was a dedicated Christian servant. Duane treasured his family and was proud to serve his Country. He devoted himself to staying in touch with as many relatives and friends throughout the world as possible. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a private memorial service with immediate family only in attendance on Monday, July 27th at 5:00 pm. Extended family and friends are invited to attend this service by Zoom. For more information please email [email protected]. Duanes ashes will be interred next to Bettys ashes at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. Donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521. Memorial Service via Zoom Monday, July 27, 2020 05:00 pm