PETERSON, Larry E., age 83

Died: Sunday, June 23rd, 2019

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be given in memory of Larry.

Larry E. Peterson, age 83, longtime resident of the Hatfield area, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Larry was born February 15, 1936 in Alma Center, son of the late Art and Grace (Cooper) Peterson. He grew up on the family farm in Garden Valley outside of Alma Center and graduated from Lincoln High School.

He met the love of his life, Bernadean Mayer, at the Dutch Mill Restaurant in Fairchild and married her on January 7, 1956. Together they raised 3 children. Larry and Bernadean owned and operated 2 filling stations in Merrillan prior to him being employed a Dadco Foods. He drove semi for 30 years at Dadco, retiring at the age of 57 due to health issues.

Larry's greatest joy was spending time with his family. One of his favorite sports was playing baseball/softball which he did until the age of 50. He also enjoyed going to music festivals with friends and golfing. Larry was also a volunteer on the Hatfield and Merrillan Fire Departments. His last few winters were spent in Estero, FL where he was an active member of the shuffle board team.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Bernadean; children, Theresa (Allan) Hawley, Michael Peterson and Jeffery (Sharon) Peterson; grandchildren, Melody Hawley, Kari Hawley, Guerra Peterson, Lucas Peterson, Gunnar Peterson and Tiffany Peterson; great grandchildren, Arlo, Lacey, Austin, Keyara, Lyrick, Gianni, Ari, and Gauge; brothers-in-law, Harold (Janice), Robert "Bob" (Sandy), John, and Edward (Mary) Mayer; sisters-in-law, Pat Oligny and Judy Mayer; special nephew/long time driving partner, Dennis Oligney; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Edna (Harry) Fisher, Ethel (Curt) Mills and Opal (Mike) Olson; brothers, Maynard Oligney and Arther "Buzz" Oligny; brothers-in-law, James Mayer and Larry Mayer; sisters-in-law, Delores Oligney, Phyllis (Joe) Boetcher, Frances (Paul) Damberg, and Dorothy Mayer.