Roger Peterson

Roger Peterson, 86, Washburn, died October 7, 2016, after a long struggle with COPD at the home of his daughter while under the care of CHI Home Care and Hospice. Cremation has taken place. At Roger's request, there will be no funeral service. Roger was born November 17, 1929, at a birthing house in Underwood to Frielo and Mabel (Gradin) Peterson. He lived on the "Monkey Farm" west of Falkirk as a young boy and then moved with his family to his Great Uncle Pete Gradin's homestead west of Washburn along the Missouri River. He married Helen Granlie on October 18, 1952. They farmed and raised Hereford cattle there until 1983 when their son took over the cattle operation. They relocated to the former Everett Nelson farm and continued farming. Helen died in 2000. Roger married Marlys (Doepke) Allen on September 17, 2003. He rode his horse, Jack, to country school and lived with his Grandma, Aunt Palma and cousin Bonnie Soderstrom in Washburn while going to high school. Roger was a lifelong member of Birka Lutheran Church. He served 25 years on the board of directors of Falkirk Elevator. The past two years he faithfully traveled to Bismarck three times a week for Pulmonary Rehab. The encouragement of his respiratory therapists, Lori, Roxanne and Becky made such a difference in his life. Roger is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Dave Petryszyn) Gillespie; his son, Neal (Bev); his grandchildren, Brett (Sam) Gillespie, Kristy (Jason) Lawrence, and Ryan (Kristin) Peterson and his great-grandson Cade Lawrence. He is also survived by his wife Marlys and her children, Barbara, Lisa, Matthew and Mary. He was preceded in death by his first wife Helen; and his brother Donald. Thanks to the CHI Home Care and Hospice team, especially Georgia, Jeanne, Jamie and Lori, for the care given to Roger and his family.