Richard C. Peterson

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died January 13, 2021

Richard C. Peterson, age 89, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2021.

Richard was born August 23, 1931, in Escanaba, the son of Charles and Gertrude (Olson) Peterson. He grew up in Stonington and attended Rapid River High School. Richard was united in marriage to Lorraine Olson on January 27, 1951, and together they spent 62 years of marriage before her passing on December 1, 2013. Richard was later united in marriage to Beverly Johnson on January 3, 2015, whom he spent 6 years making wonderful memories with. Richard was a sheet metal worker employed at Harnischfeger Corporation for 30 years.

Richard was a farmer and he loved to garden, do lawn care, plant trees, and race stock cars. He started racing in 1966 and drove a 1956 red Ford #33 stock car nicknamed the Crimson Hay Bailer. He won 4 championships in Escanaba and Norway, and was inducted into the Norway Hall of Fame in 2017. He even passed on his love for racing to his children. Richard was also a member of the Swedish Club and a devoted member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Rapid River.

Richard is survived by his wife Beverly, his 5 children Dannette (Greg) Viau, Charles Peterson, Clayton (Mary Ann) Peterson, Timothy Peterson, and Martha (Carl) Miller, 5 step-children Cheryl (James) Vanderlinden, Bill (Sarah) Johnson, Ed (Valerie) Johnson, Ray (Lisa) Johnson, and Charlotte (John) Pfeiffer, as well as 12 grandchildren Bradley (Amy) Viau, Danielle (Bobby Wagner) Viau, Michelle (Jeff) Kozar, Valerie Peterson, Kirsten (Mary) Gallandt, Samantha (Robbie) Buttry, Jessica (Adam) Schroeder, Heather (Ray) DeLillo, Matthew (Chelsea) Peterson, Ashley Peterson, Cyle Miller, Megan (Brett) Murray, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and 2 new great-grandchildren coming this year. Richard is also survived by his sister Grace Millsap, brother-in-law William Peterson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Lorraine, sister Marion Erickson, brothers Charles, Gerald, and Gordon Peterson, and his grandson Kevin Peterson.

Private services honoring Richard will be held at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River with Pastor Stephen Gauger officiating. Richard will be laid to rest in Rapid River Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions in Richard’s name be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church of the charity of your choosing.

9 Tributes for “Richard C. Peterson”

    Richard was a stand up guy. I always enjoyed my conversations with him over the years. My condolences to the famiy

    Danette and family,
    So sorry about the passing of your dad. I didn’t know him really well but I enjoyed his quiet manner at church council meetings. He gave a lot of service to his church. He often talked about his grands to me because he knew our kids were friends. I know you’ll miss him but know he is now dancing in heaven.

    Clayton and all the Peterson family, I’m so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. When someone is in your heart, they’re never truly gone!!!

    So very sorry for your loss . Richard and Beverly would come to our senior center and enjoyed our activities. Many fond memories. Bless you all. Gail Zierk.

    Sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. He was a neighbor and a great guy. As a youngster, I rode with him when he was hauling gravel in Stonington . We had a little excitement one time(for me at least)When he was dumping the load it was too heavy and the truck rose up. My condolences to the whole family.

    Our family wants to thank you for your comforting words. Your expressions of sympathy and memories are sincerely appreciated. Take care.

    I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I just received the Calvary Caller yesterday. When Jonas was alive we would attend the Saturday night service & always enjoyed seeing & talking with your Mom & Dad. After Jonas passed I continued going on Saturday night & was glad to see your Dad there as well after your Mom passed. We had something in common, losing our loved one.

    I would come back in the summer from Tucson Arizona to visit family & that’s when I met Beverly at quilting. Always loved being a part of that wonderful group. It was a good time to gather for socializing & making some pretty incredible quilts.

    My condolences to your entire family. I will be sending a memorial in his name to Calvary Lutheran Church.

    Richard Peterson family,
    So sorry to hear of your loss . I always enjoyed visiting with Richard and family during his weekly shopping trips at Superone Esc. Such a pleasant kind hearted man . May he Rip. Sending Hugs, thoughts & prayers to all family.
    Michelle Lynch

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