Duane C. Peterson

Duane C. Peterson passed away on Thursday Nov. 26, 2009, with Betty, his loving wife of 47 years, by his side.

Born on March 8, 1942, to William "Harry" and Eva Marie (Nelson) Peterson in Bismarck, N.D. Duane was raised in Bismarck and learned the value of working for a living as a teenager, beginning on local farms and moving on to Ack's Radiator Shop. Duane met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Hetland, and they were married on July 14, 1962, in Bismarck. In 1966 Duane and his family moved to Kalispell. He found employment at C & C Plywood and worked for Bob Sutton during the slow times at the mill. In 1967 he began his career at Plum Creek Plywood and remained there for 39 years, gaining many friends along the way. Duane retired in 2006.

Duane and Betty were blessed with four children. Hallie, their only daughter was first. Then came three sons: Brent, Brad and Brook. In 1969 Duane and his family moved to Columbia Falls, which he called home until his passing.

Duane will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving, gentle and kind person. He could always make you smile, even if you thought you didn't want to. Because of this he will always be remembered for his sense of humor. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember the big teddy bear because of the numerous hugs he gave each and every one one of them. His Plum Creek and bowling friends will remember him by his nicknames: Pete, Speedy Pete and Sugar Bear.

Duane was an avid bowler, loving it long after he was able to participate. He helped form the first Plum Creek work league. He served as chaplain for the JayCee's and was a past treasurer for Our Saviors Lutheran Church. His favorite sports were hunting and fishing. He truly enjoyed the time spent in the field, forest or alongside a lake, hunting and fishing with his brothers and friends. He later passed his passion on to his sons and grandchildren, cherishing the time they had spent together.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents William and Eva Marie Peterson, his father-in-law Leonard Hetland, sisters-in-law Evey Peterson and Lavonne Peterson, his niece Jenny, and several aunts and uncles.

Duane is survived by his wife Betty, daughter Hallie (Jody) Arvidson, sons Brent (Lisa) Peterson, Brad (Crista Martin) Peterson and Brook (Jay) Peterson. He also leaves behind his brothers Dean "Chuck" Peterson, Jim Peterson and Dennis (Diane) Peterson. Duane had eight grandchildren: Mark Arvidson, Lynda (Charles Kassner) Arvidson, Jessica Peterson, Cherise (Donnie) Cardin, Amanda (Anthony) Puryer, Aaron Peterson, Quintin Peterson and Chandra Peterson. He also had three great-grandchildren: Ashton and Keegan Cardin and Kawena Kassner. Duane also leaves behind his mother-in-law Vera Hetland, brothers-in-law Gene (Carol) Hetland and Bob (Bette) Hetland, sister-in-law Mary (Gene) VanEckhout and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place per Duane's wishes.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday Dec. 2, 2009, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls.

The family requests that any memorials in Duane's name be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or the Columbia Falls Fire Department.