Jean E. (Peterson) Hamre

Jean Elizabeth "Pete" (Peterson) Hamre, 90, of Bozeman, Montana passed away in Bozeman on Tuesday, November 24th, 2015. Jean was born May 16th, 1925 to I.E. Peterson and Della (Hamilton) Peterson in Missoula, Montana. Jean graduated from Missoula County High School in 1943 and enrolled in the School of Forestry, University of Montana, that fall. She became the second woman in UM history to graduate from the School of Forestry in 1947. She married her lifelong husband, Vern Hamre, in the fall of her senior year. Together they shared a common love of outdoor adventures including backpacking, skiing, photography, canoeing and camping for more than sixty years. Vern recently passed away only two weeks prior to "Pete" on November 7th. "Pete" had three sons, Bob, Dave and Jon to whom she devoted her life and her love. She was very proud of her sons who she thought, through their careers, had made great contributions to the lives of others. She additionally taught swimming and lifesaving through the YMCA and the Red Cross, was a volunteer in the public schools and was active in the League of Women Voters. Jean was also an accomplished pianist and water color artist. She played music daily and was often accompanied with vocals by her husband Vern. She leaves a large portfolio of landscapes and outdoor interpretations that are treasured by her family. "Pete" moved to Montana in 1982, happily returning to the state she so passionately loved, and lived for 30 years in Gallatin Gateway. She lived her last days in Bozeman at Highgate Senior Living. "Pete" is survived by her sons, Bob (Vicki) of Livingston, Dave (Patti) of Anchorage, Alaska, as well as two grandchildren, Kate and Peter and her sister, Doris Luckman of Seely Lake, Montana. She was preceded in death by her parents, I.E. and Della Peterson, her husband, Vern and son, Jon. A memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.