Donald H Peterson

With a twinkle in his eye and a song in his heart, Donald H. Peterson, a devoted husband, cherished father, doting grandfather, proud great-grandfather, and beloved brother, gracefully took his final bow on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. He was 88 years young. Born in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 10, 1936, to the late Lucille (nee: Klee) and Harold Peterson, Don was affectionately known to his nearest and dearest as “G-Pop”, “Pops”, or “Grandpa Pete”.

Don possessed an infectious zest for life, always at the ready with a warm smile (teeth optional!), a refreshing Shiner Bock, a comforting Werther’s Original, and, most certainly, a captivating anecdote. A natural showman through and through, Don’s passion for the dramatic arts shone brightly throughout his life. He graced both the backstage and production booth for numerous theatrical productions, lovingly tended to the majestic beauty and sounds of multiple pipe organs and lent his expertise as an audio-video technician at JCPenney for many fulfilling years.

Those fortunate enough to know Don were undoubtedly familiar with the timeless magic of his Silver Screen favorites: My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, The King and I, Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, and Mary Poppins. In moments of quiet reflection, Don could invariably be found immersed in his beloved showtunes or the rich melodies of the theater organ, with a neat scotch and water at hand.

Don’s capacity for love was as grand as the stages he admired. Preceded in his heavenly ascent by his beloved wife of 43 years, Annette (nee: Lind), he leaves behind a legacy of love in his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Jacy Peterson; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Eric Schmidt; his six adoring grandchildren, Kyli, Jack, Chris, Trevor, Keenan, and Kierra; his four precious great-grandchildren, Callie, Eleanor “Elli”, Oliver, and Mila; and his dear sisters, Pat Anderson and Janet Forsman Nelson. Don now joins his parents, his brother Dodds, and his sister Nancy Nord in eternal peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options, officiated by Fr. Tony O’Donovan. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/112035

Following the service, a reception celebrating Don’s vibrant life will be held at his son’s residence.

Don will be laid to rest with military honors at a private inurnment at the Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery commemorating Don’s dedicated service in the U.S. Navy (1954-1956). Additional honors appropriate for a Master Mason (Paul Revere Lodge No. 321, Minneapolis, Minnesota) will also be observed.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Stroke Association at https://www.stroke.org/, continuing Don’s spirit of generosity in tribute to his beloved wife Annette.