Jerry Peterson
courtesy photo
Jerry Peterson
POLSON — Jerry Allen Peterson, age 82, of Montana, passed away Saturday, June 5, in Polson. Jerry was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Erv and Mary (Flynn) Peterson on June 1, 1939.
He was a graduate of Bradley High School in South Dakota and received his B.S. from Southernaire State Teachers College in South Dakota, in 1962. He worked his way through college as a smoke jumper fighting forest fires in the Northwest. He served in the Air Force from 1962-1966. He married Phyllis Ann Bjerke on June 28, 1963 on Otis Airbase, Massachusetts.
Jerry worked as a computer analyst for Control Data Corporation for 33 years. Jerry traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad for his work. He enjoyed his work connections at Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia and Los Alamos Labs, and NASA. He was an active volunteer firefighter, first responder, NRA and Polson Shooters Association member, and a community volunteer. Jerry was an avid hunter and fishman. He enjoyed camping with friends and family throughout the United States. Jerry loved exploring back roads and scuba diving. He had a special place in his heart for his grandson, Tyler.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Willie; and many friends and family.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis; his daughter, Elizabeth Peterson and her husband, Don Butterfield; his grandson, Tyler Butterfield; his sister, Jeanne Tucker and her husband, Gene T., and numerous nieces, cousins, and friends.
Family, friends, and others whose life Jerry has touched are invited to the Celebration of Life from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, at the Polson Senior Citizens Center. Come enjoy a light lunch, fun pictures, time to reminisce and stories to share. If desired, friends and family may make memorial contributions to a charity of choice.
The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help of neighbors, friends and family. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
