Richard I. (Dick) Peterson

TEMPE – Richard I. (Dick) Peterson, passed away at Hospice of the Valley Friendship Village in Tempe on Wednesday January 16, 2019 with his family at his side. Born in Minneapolis, MN on June 20, 1929 to William Irving Peterson and Evelyn Caroline Peterson, he moved with his parents and sister to Arizona in 1951. Dick enlisted in the Army in 1951, stationed at Fort Huachuca until being dispatched to the Korean War through 1953. After the war, Dick returned to Scottsdale where he met and married Lovice (Lovie) Rae Sturtevant on June 18, 1955. They settled in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix where they raised 3 children. Many summer vacations were enjoyed with family and friends in Iowa, Minnesota, Canada, and the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach. Dick was employed as an engineer at Garrett AirResearch (now Honeywell) for 35 years. Following his retirement in 1991, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, New York, Niagara Falls, Ireland, Germany, and England. They were active volunteers with the Arizona Science Center and Desert Botanical Garden. They had an active social calendar attending and hosting parties, including those with the “Desert Rats” bridge group. After moving to Green Valley, Dick enjoyed many get-togethers with neighbors and enjoyed the weekly ‘Taco Tuesdays’ at the Elks Club. Dick was a Charter Member with the Elks and remained active as a member until his death. He was also a long-term member of the Phoenix Masonic Lodge and El Zaribah Shrine where he served as Club Chapter President in 1971 and President of the Director Staff in 1973.

Dick should be remembered for his devotion and loyalty to his family and friends, and his endless enjoyment for travel. He made an annual sojourn to his hometown in Minnesota, often driving the scenic ‘back roads’ to faithfully attend his annual high school reunion, well into his eighties. Along with his love of Minnesota came his love for the state’s famous fish – his favorite Walleye.

He was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Lovice (Lovie) Rae Peterson, and is survived by his children Lovie (Dave) Beird, Lanci (Bob) Houvener, and Rich (Ann) Peterson, 6 grandchildren (Sean, Christopher, Courtney, Morgan, Mikey, Nicole) and 3 great-grandchildren (Houston, David and Monroe). His sister Karen Peterson (Claudia Bullard) in Star Valley, and long-time companion Brigitta Bement from Marana join us in celebrating his life.

Services will be private and he will be interred with his wife at Green Acres Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.