Richard Dale Dick Petersen

Richard Dale "Dick" Petersen, 84, of Livingston, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Livingston HealthCare Hospital with loved ones at his side. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 27, at American Lutheran Church with Pastor Steven Paugh Leuzinger officiating. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Fellowship will follow the Interment at the Livingston Elks Lodge. Memorials are preferred to: The Elks Lodge Scholarship Fund; 130 S 2nd Street; Livingston, MT 59047. Dick was born on December 30, 1929 in Brookings, South Dakota. He was the son of Hans Valdemar and Sarah Mae (Lione) Petersen. He received his education in Brookings and was a graduate of the Brookings High School Class of 1947. Dick furthered his education at South Dakota State University first pursuing a degree in engineering for his first two years, then switched to the school of Pharmacy, attending for an additional four years graduating in 1953. Dicks military service began at South Dakota State where he enrolled with ROTC. He entered active military duty with the United States Navy on April 1, 1954 with his years of training at O.C.S. in Rhode Island. He later served as Chief Engineer aboard the U.S.S. John R. Craig (DD-885) and traveled the seas of the South Pacific during the years between the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. He treasured the experiences and memories he had exploring the art and culture of many foreign lands. He received an Honorable Discharge on March 24, 1957. Dick continued on with the Navy Reserve until March 31, 1962. Upon coming back home Dick worked at pharmacies in Huron, SD and Rochester, MN where he was employed by the Weber & Judd Pharmacy at the Mayo Clinic. While in Huron, Dick met the love of his life and on August 8, 1959 was united in marriage to Norma L. Polfus, in Huron, SD. They shared 53 years of marriage, and were blessed with three children, Anna, Kris, and Gunnar. The couple moved to Missoula, MT for a short time, and then to Livingston, MT in 1962. They purchased The City Drug in March of 62 and began their long career in Livingston operating the store downtown together until 1986. In 1987, they closed the store in Livingston and moved to White Sulphur Springs where they purchased The Public Drug in January of 1988, which they operated until retirement in 1997. Once retired, they moved back to their home in Livingston. Dick was a Life Long Member of the Elks Lodge. He also held a private pilots license most of his life. He sat on the Park County Public Health board and was head of the Rodeo Association during the 60s. He also enjoyed his time and the friendships he gained in the Junto Club, a mens book reading club Dick was dedicated to his community and the environment in which he lived. He worked hard to maintain his stores and to provide well for his children. His role as a father endeared him as "Pops" to his children and all of their friends, which he will fondly be remembered as forevermore. He was a kind man, always ready for a spirited conversation or a good joke. He loved to share stories reminiscing of days past. Dicks passion and greatest relaxation was classical music. Most of all, he especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. Dick is survived by his daughter, Anna Smith and her husband, Todd, and Halle of Livingston, MT; sons, Kris Petersen and his son Eli of Belgrade, MT, and Gunnar Petersen and his wife Tondi, and their children Dana, Erin, and Laine of Livingston, MT; and special daughter Heather Glenn of Bozeman, MT. Brother, Daryl Petersen and his wife Judy of Brookings, SD. Dick is preceded in death by his parents Valde and Sue Petersen, his wife, Norma in 2012, and brother, Don Petersen. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.