Joseph Peterson, 87

After 87 wonderful years on this Earth in the company of a loving family and great friends, Joseph John Peterson moved on to continue his dance in heaven on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at his Post Falls home surrounded by his family. Joe was born Dec. 20, 1922, to Dane Peter Nels Peterson and Norwegian Marie Holter Peterson in Pierre, S.D., where he grew up on a large dry land farm.

In 1937, he and his family moved from Dakota to a small farm on the Rathdrum Prairie in Idaho. Household goods, farm implements and animals came by train. Joe tended to the animals on the trip while the rest of his family drove to their new home.

Joe worked the family farm with his dad and his brothers until he joined the Army in 1942. He saw action as a foot soldier and military driver across Europe. Shortly after his return from World War II, Joe met Peggy Dawn Golob. They married on Aug. 31, 1946, and lived a truly happy life together for nearly 64 years. They reared their four children on a small farm west of Post Falls where Joe raised beef, hogs and chickens. Joe loved farming and at one time or another grew oats, barley, and alfalfa as well as a large garden.

Joe worked for Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation for 35 years, first as a furnace operator and later in maintenance. He retired from Kaiser in 1982 and began an enjoyable retirement. He continued to work his garden and loved growing all kinds of “big” things. When the family was young, Joe enjoyed fishing and boating. Sunny Sundays would find him and Peggy and the kids and a slew of relatives boating on area lakes in “Peterson’s Pet.” There were many happy times camping on lakes and streams in North Idaho.

Joe is known for his stories and tall tales. He loved people and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He absolutely loved to dance and could cut a rug with the best of them. He looked forward to the Post Falls Senior Citizens’ dances every Tuesday and when he couldn’t dance anymore, he loved being there to talk with his many dear friends. Joe was a great husband and father. He was an excellent provider and he knew how to work and play well. His hearty laugh showed his joy in living. Joe and Peggy gave their kids and others great love, attention, support and opportunities for successful living. Lately Joe’s best times were playing cards and cribbage with Peggy and his son and grandkids every evening.

Joe had a wonderful life; it was full of action, good humor, hard work, love and joy. His family includes his “sweetie” Peggy and children and spouses Valorie and Greg Godwin of Clarkston, Wash., “Bill” Pete and Cindy Peterson of Post Falls, Laurie and Scott Nichols of Coeur d’Alene, and Sally and Mike Deason of Arlington, Wash., as well as grandchildren Joe and James Peterson, Seth, John and Amy Godwin, Bryan and Gina Nichols and Adam and Sam Deason. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Norm and Doris Peterson, sisters-in-law and spouses Margie and Fred Edlund and Sylva and Phil Severson as well as many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Joe was a bit of a gamblin’ man and dreamed often of winning the BIG ONE. He finally did! He went to heaven where we are sure he will be dancing to the most divine music he’s ever heard and making new friends all over the place.

A celebration of Joe’s life will take place at 4 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2010, at the Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 Third Ave., Post Falls (773-9582).

In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully received by Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 Government Way Hayden, ID 83835. Joe and the family were blessed by the wonderful people in this organization who treated him and all of us with dignity and great care. Anyone wishing to do so is invited to bring a written memory of Joe to be made into a special booklet for Peggy and the family.

Please visit Joseph’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.