Leonard Peterson

Obituary for Leonard "Pete" Peterson Our much loved, Father and Grandfather, Leonard (Pete) Peterson, 86, of Twin Falls passed away at his home on November 23, 2011, after a long fight with Alzheimer's and other health issues. (Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints, -- Psalm 116:15). He was born on June 26, 1925 in Tulare California to Louis L. Peterson and Isa Brown Peterson. He was raised south of Twin Falls helping his Dad on their farm and milking many cows. He served proudly in the United States Navy on the submarine, USS Sea Dog, during World War II. On October4, 1945 he married Maxine Gentry and they produced four children, Kelly, Steve, Mark, and Doug. They were divorced in 1967. The Peterson kids spent many years building their character and physical strength on the farm south of Twin Falls working in the fields, raising 4-H cattle, and immensely enjoying life there in the 1950"s & 60"s. He was instrumental in getting the Kimberly Baseball Little League Program started in the mid-1960's. He thoroughly enjoyed coaching the traveling team and regular league teams. Also, in the 1960's, Leonard became co-owner of Peterson & McHan Mobile Oil Company, which he operated for many years. He was employed at Gover's Pay N Pack at the time of his retirement. He married Betty Sandau in 1968. They were later divorced. In 1981 he married June Emerson White. June passed away in 1992. In 2005 he married Betty Newbry, with whom he shared his life until his passing. He was baptized in First Christian Church of Twin Falls as a young man and was a member of Valley Christian Church for many years until he was unable to attend due to bad health. He liked to hunt and fish, but his special love was golf. He spent many retirement years enjoying and playing golf with his friends, including his brother-in-law, Ray Shumway. His other love was CSI Basketball! He held reserved booster seats for many years at CSI and traveled to their out-of-state championships. He was a Hutch supporter. He especially enjoyed it when his grandson, Zach Dong, who shared his basketball passion, became a Basketball Coach at Filer High School. Leonard is survived by his wife, Betty, his children, Kelly (Jim) Black of Twin Falls, Steve (Carolyn) Peterson of Hayden Lake, Idaho, Mark ( Esther) Peterson and Doug (Laura) Peterson all of Twin Falls, and stepchildren, Steve (Leslie) Emerson of Boise, Vicki (Phil) Emerson Ruebel of Boise, Lana (Stephen) Emerson Olsen of Kimberly, Larry (Janey) Newbry of Kimberly, Christy (Elmer) Parker of Salado, Texas, Chuck Newbry of Canby, Oregon, and Bill (Susan) of Genesee, Idaho. He is survived by 12 grandchildren and 17great-grandchildren and innumerable step grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Truman Peterson and sister, Gayle Shumway. He loved all of his children and grandchildren and was very proud of all of their accomplishments. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, one sister, Mary, and one grandson, Mick Peterson. He was a Great Dad and Grandpa. We Will Miss You, Dad !! We'll see you later! A viewing for the family and friends will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday evening, November 28th. Services will be held at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd, Twin Falls on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 2:00 PM with Pastor John Babb officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A special Thank You to Esther Peterson, his daughter-in-law, for her great care of Dad in the last two years of his life. It was unequalled! Also, a Thank You to all the others who participated in his care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Unit of CSI or Alliance Home Health and Hospice. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com