Duane C. Peterson, 67

Duane C. Peterson passed away on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, with Betty, his loving wife of 47 years, by his side. He was 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 would remain 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 everyone 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 Jaycees and was a past treasurer for Our Savior s 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 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; a 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 Puryer (Anthony), 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 will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. The family requests that any memorials in Duane s name be made to either Our Savior s Lutheran Church or to the Columbia Falls Fire Department.