of Mountain Home, AR
April 14, 1940 - January 1, 2024
Mr. Michael Peterson, 83, of Mountain Home, Arkansas passed away Monday, January 1, 2024, in Mountain Home. He was born on April 14, 1940, in Helena, Montana to Donald and Marcella (Barnett) Peterson. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church and a U. S. Navy Veteran who liked having grand adventures, woodcarving, making rosaries, fishing, camping, amateur photography, and just generally being out in nature. He was a devoted family man who loved nothing better than spending time with his family and could never say no to someone in need, whether it was for an individual or non-profit organization.
Mike's life started busy, at the age of five he sold newspapers on the State Capitol steps in Billings, Montana with his brother and sister. His newspaper career continued when the Peterson family moved to Mill City, Oregon where his father was owner and editor of the Mill City Enterprise Newspaper. Mike sold newspapers, set linotype and worked the printing press among other things. Later when the family moved to Gresham, Oregon they opened an ice cream parlor. During high school, Mike worked as a soda jerk at the family business and as a lifeguard. After high school, he attended college and joined the Naval Reserves. Following college, he began work at Western Airlines in Los Angeles, California and enjoyed traveling. While at the airlines he decided to join the Navy to serve in Vietnam. Before shipping out though, he was stationed in San Diego, California where he met and married his wife of 58 years, Mary (Pottinger) Peterson. When he finished his tour, he and his wife continued to reside in San Diego before moving to Mountain Home where he started as a carpenter. He then began his career as an electrician working with EIR Electrical. From there he started his own business, Peterson Electric, which he retired from after 50 years.
Mike is survived by his wife: Mary Peterson; 4 children: Cathy Leppold (Jerry), Jim Peterson, Bill Peterson, and Mary Jo Haworth (Brad); 14 grandchildren: Anne, Kailey, Greg, Patrick (Kiera), Michael, Adam (Avery), Mikey, Elizabeth (Nick), Katie (Chris), Jacob, Bradydee, Daniel, Kevin, and Karli; 1 great-grandchild: Makayla; 3 siblings: Diane Allen, Sylvia Loftin, and Susan Price; 3 sisters-in-law: Margaret Nichols (Tim), Diane Peterson, and Anne Meridien; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Marcella Peterson and 4 siblings: Donald Peterson, Jr., Jane Lemmon, Marie Valinda Peterson, and Gregory Peterson.
A visitation will be held from 3:30-6:00pm with a rosary service beginning at 6:00pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Roller Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church with Jim Peterson, Bill Peterson, Patrick Leppold, Michael Leppold, Adam McLean, Michael McLean, Daniel McLean, Kevin McLean, Chris Hopkins, and Steven Schlemer serving as pallbearers. Interment will follow at Baxter Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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20 Condolence(s)
Mary Fritz
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Mike was a wonderful person and so kind. My prayers are with Mary and family. God Bless!
William & Karen Kimbriel
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Please know your family is in our prayers.
Gil n Val Jesse
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Although no words could ever really help to ease the loss you bear, know that you and your family are very close in every thought and prayer. We will always cherish the memories of Mike.
Maureen Kuka
Monday, January 8, 2024
Mary and Peterson Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a solid, caring man. He was so dependable and always had a smile when he came to do some electrical work at my home.
Daina Taylor
Monday, January 8, 2024
Mary and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a great man and will be missed by many. God bless you now and all the days ahead.
Stephen P. Johnson
Monday, January 8, 2024
During our lives, we met a select few persons, who by virtue of their steadfastness and unwavering reliability, become 'Fixtures' in our lives. Like Gibraltar, we just expect them to always "Be There". Mike was uch a man. As a builder, I slept well when Peterson Electric had done the wiring; it had been done properly. The kindest of friends, most jovial, persistent and resilient- Mike made hard things look easy, and easy things lots of fun. The mark he made, is indelible; the legacy- one can only hope to replicate.
Linda Wesrmoreland
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Mary and the whole Peterson family. Mike will be greatly missed. I grieve with you.
Curtis Lackey
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you comfort.
Robert Alkire
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Mary and family, we are so sorry for your loss. It was such a pleasure to sit and visit with Mike when I would come by the office. God bless your family and you will be in our prayers.
Libby and Mark Stewart
Friday, January 5, 2024
Dear Mary and family, we are so sorry for your loss of Mike. He was a kind and gentle man.
Libby and Mark Stewart
Donna Williamson
Friday, January 5, 2024
Cathy and Mary Jo, sending you both all my love. Daddy’s are pretty special and I know you will miss him so very much, I pray the special memories you have will provide you, your Mom and all who loved him comfort during this time.
Dedra Mata
Friday, January 5, 2024
Our love and prayers are with the family through this difficult time. May God comfort you all.
The Mata Family
Kathy Shimanek
Friday, January 5, 2024
Mary and family,
Mark and I are so sorry to hear about Mike. I remember all those years ago when your family moved here and Mike worked for my dad, Richard Peterson. Mark also thought highly of Mike as he got to know him through his business, and Mike worked on one of Mark’s jobs only a year and a half ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Mark and Kathy (Peterson) Shimanek
Joan Young
Friday, January 5, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rosanne Dovel
Friday, January 5, 2024
Dear Mary and family,
Shocked and saddened to read of Mike’s passing. He was one of the finest men that we have met. We are with you in prayer! Love from Don & Rosanne Dovel.
Alvie Russell
Friday, January 5, 2024
Mary and Family;
I am sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I enjoyed visiting with Mike as a friend and also as a customer My condolences to you Mary and the family.
Michael Glotzl
Friday, January 5, 2024
I pray that you are welcomed into Jesus' open arms, hearing the words "Well done my good and faithful servant"
Cindy Isbell
Friday, January 5, 2024
My love to each of you. This whole family is the kindest, which I’m sure Mike and Mary weee great influencers. God bless you all!!
Alex Baugh
Thursday, January 4, 2024
I had the good fortune to work with Mike on a few projects over the years and was always so impressed with him and his family. Very sorry to hear of his passing, he will be missed.
Dennis Leone
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
God bless you Mike always in my prayers! You and fam and friends included in Christmas Mass Novena at Assumption Grotto Det Mi