William S. 'Bill' Peterson, 84

William S. "Bill" Peterson died peacefully of heart failure Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at his home in Kalispell. He was born on Jan. 31, 1924, in Detroit Lakes, Minn., the youngest of seven children of Harry and Theresa "Tracy" Peterson.

Bill grew up in Detroit Lakes, where he graduated from high school. He attended the University of Minnesota prior to joining the army during World War II. He served in the Philippines during the war.

In 1955, Bill moved to Kalispell to start Glacier Memorial Gardens, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1997. Bill also owned and operated a lawn sprinkler business right up to his death.

Bill was a member of the Eagles, Elks, Shriners and the Masonic Temple. He was also given a lifetime membership to Buffalo Hill Golf Course for his volunteer service in building the championship course.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his four brothers, Harry "Fats," Bud, Leonard and Sid; two sisters, Lila and May; and one granddaughter, Casey Lynn Kassner.

Bill is survived by his wife, Betty, of Kalispell, and their eight adult children, John W. Peterson and his wife, Elaine, of Kalispell; Sandra McMahon and her husband, Mike, of Granbury, Texas; James A. Peterson and his wife, Sue, of Tualatin, Ore.; Bill Peden and Denny Lincoln of Kalispell; Tammy Kassner of Anchorage, Alaska; Timmy Peden and his wife, Patty, of Piedmont, Calif.; Vickie Dickerson of Mesa, Ariz.; and Tommy Rushford of Helena; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be from noon to 3 p.m. today, Dec. 17, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Entombment will be at 3:30 p.m. today at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

A memorial service will be scheduled in the spring when friends and family can get together to share memories and stories of Bill.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriners Children's Hospital would be appreciated.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. To sign Bill's guest book, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com.