Jerry Allen Peterson, 82

| June 22, 2021 12:00 AM

Jerry Allen Peterson, 82, of Montana, passed away Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Polson.

Jerry was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Erv and Mary (Flynn) Peterson on June 1, 1939. He was a graduate of Bradley High School, South Dakota, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southernaire, South Dakota, in 1962. He worked his way through college as a smokejumper fighting forest fires in the Northwest. He served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He married Phyllis Ann Bjerke on June 28, 1963, on Otis Airbase, Massachusetts.

Jerry worked as a computer analyst for Control Data Corporation for 33 years. Jerry traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad for his work. He enjoyed his work connections at Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia and Los Alamos Labs, and NASA. He was an active volunteer firefighter, first responder, NRA and Polson Shooters Association member, and a community volunteer.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fishman. He enjoyed camping with friends and family throughout the United States. Jerry loved exploring back roads and scuba diving. Jerry had a special place in his heart for his grandson Tyler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Willie, and many friends and family.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis; daughter, Elizabeth Peterson and her husband, Don Butterfield; grandson, Tyler Butterfield; sister, Jeanne Tucker and her husband, Gene T.; and numerous nieces, cousins and friends.

Family, friends and others whose life Jerry has touched are invited to the celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, at the Polson Senior Citizen Center. Come enjoy a light lunch, fun pictures, reminisce, and share stories.

If desired, friends and family may make memorial contributions to a charity of choice.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help of neighbors, friends and family.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.