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Obituary:
Yakima Herald-Republic (WA) - January 29, 2006
Deceased Name: Donald R. Peterson
Keith & Keith Funeral Home
YAKIMA - Donald Robert Peterson, 67, was born September 10, 1938 in York, Nebraska to Ardon and Clara Peterson. He died on Thursday, January 26, 2006 surrounded by family after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Don graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School, Nebraska Wesleyan University and received his Masters of Education from the University of Nebraska. His post-graduate work included Central Washington University, University of the Pacific and Harvard University.
Don had a special love relationship with Erwina Hutchinson that started over fifty years ago, when they met in junior high. They were married June 3, 1961 in Lincoln, NE. Their strong love and friendship has sustained them through many of life's ups and downs.
Don's teaching career began at Utica High School in Utica, NE. His adventurous spirit brought him to Yakima in 1963 where he began teaching at A.C. Davis High School. He became known as "Pete" his first year of teaching at Davis. Pete's voice could be heard throughout the halls of Davis or in the cheering section for any of the games. His innovative teaching style developed the Humanities program at Davis which earned state and national recognition. Pete cared about students and they responded to his interactive teaching style, demonstrated by choosing him as their commencement speaker four different times. He had a way with words that brought laughter and inspiration to his students. The leadership that Don showed with the Davis faculty included English, Humanities and Social Studies chair. He was honored to receive the Crystal Apple Award for teaching excellence, the PTA Golden Acorn Award and to be named Who's Who Among America's Teachers. His biggest reward was hearing back from his students as they grew into successful men and women.
Cars became another passion after retirement. He kept up to date on the latest models and could tell you exactly how they drove. His experience came from working at Carey Motors and Lee Peterson's. Don taught himself to cross-stitch and needlepoint, each piece a work of art, stitched with patience and perfection. He also became a gourmet cook after retirement. Don and Erwina's love of travel took them throughout the United States and abroad. Each trip was an opportunity to explore and learn about the history and people of an area. Many memories were made in their Coleman trailer as they crossed the U.S. with their three young daughters; this love of camping and the outdoors has continued as his girls raise their families.
Don loved his friends for the loyalty that they showed through the years. He cherished each relationship. Friends could count on an Election Return party at the Peterson house. He was always generous with his time serving in several positions: member Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Past President and National Delegate Yakima Chapter Phi Beta Kappa Education Honorary, Past President Yakima Retired Teacher's Association, Think of the Future - Retirement Planning Workshops, Mediator for Consumer Action Panel - Funeral Service Issues, member Wesley United Methodist Church, served on Worship and Finance Committees, Chairman of Church Council, guest lecturer YVCC and many other organizations.
One of Don's biggest joys was being a grandfather. He loved to go to his grandchildren's many sports competitions, recitals, and school activities. His seven grandsons and two granddaughters could always count on Grandpa's support and love in their endeavors.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ardon and Clara Peterson, his grandparents, and aunts and uncles. His family includes Erwina, the love of his life; brother, Richard A. Peterson (Linda), sister, Dorothy Vaughn (Bill), nieces and nephews. His spirit lives on in his three daughters and their families: Tania Hoar (Erik), Mackenzie, Dakota, Zackary, Whittaker; Vanessa Williams (Dan), Luke, Peter; and Erica Soderstrom (Steve), KaNay, Payton, Delaney. We will always remember the love, laughter and lessons he provided for us.
Thank you to all of our friends and medical professionals for your strength, support and care.
Visitation will be Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Keith and Keith Funeral Home. Interment will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 31 at Terrace Heights Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. 48th Ave. To share a remembrance, go to our website at www.mem.com.
Memorials can be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or the Donald Peterson Scholarship fund at A.C. Davis High School c/o Keith and Keith Funeral Home.
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The H600 Project Genealogy DB
Abt 1939 - 2006 (67 years)