Duane Peterson

Duane Donald Peterson, 95, of Puyallup, Washington, entered eternal life with Jesus his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 18th.

Duane was born in Maddock, North Dakota on a farm during the depression. Dad was the youngest child of fourteen, eleven who lived to adulthood. He attended a one room school and started first grade at age 5. His older brother was starting that grade, and it was decided he should go as well. Later, the family moved into town from the farm so the children would be closer to the school. When WWII began, his father moved to Washington to work in the shipyards in Tacoma. Soon the family joined him and made Tacoma their home. Dad graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947, at age 17. He had three jobs in his life, berry picking, setting pins at the bowling alley and later the business of office supplies, where he learned sales, management, and ownership and even the repair of fountain pens. He retired from Miller’s Office Supply in 1992 after over 40 years of service.

While attending a dance in Vancouver BC, Dad met our mom, the love of his life, Martha. He put many miles on his 40’s Ford driving there and back. They married in 1957 and moved to Puyallup. They were married for 54 years before her passing.

He loved his home in Puyallup, his yard and especially the vegetable garden. He did an excellent job of keeping neighbors and co-workers in fresh vegetables throughout summer months. Dad also volunteered with the local Lions Club for around 50 years, managing and running the book sale fundraiser, helping with Christmas tree sales, and serving as President several times. Ultimately his best role was that of husband and father which he excelled at. He eagerly jumped into life as a grandfather for his eleven grandchildren and great-grandfather to another eleven. Dad also made sure to travel to see his grandchildren, going as far as Okinawa, Japan to spend time with them. Dad enjoyed travelling very much, wintering in Arizona for some years, taking cruises with Mom and continuing to travel to visit family. He even realized his dream of visiting Alaska once Mom passed.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings and one grandson, Justin. He is survived by daughters Tonya (Scott) of Lewisville, NC; Sonya (Rush) of Puyallup, ten grandchildren and eleven great- grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

We are thankful for his final years spent at Fieldstone Memory Care in Puyallup. The caring staff treated him like family and advocated with great compassion.

Arrangements are made with Powers Funeral Home, and the celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church in Lakewood (5400 112 th St SW) at 11 am on Saturday, March 21 st with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please donate your time to help those in your community as Duane did passionately.