Richard Wendell “Dick” Peterson

Richard (Dick) Wendell Peterson passed away peacefully at his home in Moorhead, MN at the age of 95 surrounded by his family.

Dick was born on November 5, 1927, in Fargo, North Dakota to Arthur and Adeline (Lemna) Peterson. Dick grew up on the family farm near Verona, ND, where he attended Verona High School graduating in 1945.  Dick then attended Interstate Business College for one year prior to joining the military, serving his country with the US Navy, stationed in Guam. After his service, he returned home and married his long time sweetheart, Evon Erickson, on June 30, 1949, in Marion, North Dakota.

In 1955 they moved to Fargo, North Dakota where they made their home and raised five children.  During Dick’s career, he worked for the US Postal Service, Barrett Mobile Homes, owned Peterson Mobile Home Service with his sons Pat and Jon, and Country Acres Trailer Park with his son Pat until retirement.  He drove cross-country many times and helped provide housing for thousands of families during his time in the mobile home industry.

Throughout his life, Dick would always find something to keep him busy.  He had a passion for animals, storytelling, playing cards, tinkering in his garage, dancing, spending time with family and friends, and of course his birthday.  He would always remind you that his next birthday was coming up to make sure all could help him celebrate.  Dick was also a member of both the Fargo-Moorhead VFW and the American Legion where he enjoyed meeting up with friends, telling stories, and dancing the night away.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to experience his radiant smile, laughter and kindness became a friend for life.  With his vast knowledge of all things, he was the most interesting person in any room and people would gravitate towards him.  He welcomed visitors any time of the day and was always dressed up and ready to go.  The visitors that stopped by their home would see him in his dark jeans, button-up shirt, and cardigan, while those that met him out for a special occasion would usually see him looking dapper in one of his suits.  He never forgot a name, place, or date, and was in his element when he had an audience to listen to his stories.  His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know him and listen to these unforgettable stories.  He was never one to say goodbye, instead he would say “you be good now”.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Evon; children, Penny (Earl) Rydell, Judy Plienis, Jackie (Mark) Johnson, and Jon (Erica) Peterson; grandchildren, Lori (Jack) Hopewell, Nicole Rydell, Joseph Rydell, Rena Bjerke, Brent Peterson, Ryan (Monica) Peterson, Heather Rydell, Kari Plienis, Kelly (Chris) Mapes, Steven (Kami) Peterson, Ellie Peterson, Morgan Peterson; great-grandchildren, Brooke (Cayne) Kopperud, Kaylee (Joe) Stueve, Kaylyn Hopewell, Abbi Rydell (Sam Mack), Taylor Bjerke (Aaron Stepanek), Mason Hopewell, Quinten Peterson, Aiden Rydell, Marina Peterson, Cooper Mapes, Hudson Mapes, Madisynn Bjerke, Daxten Peterson, Regan Mapes; great-great-grandchildren, Kinley Stueve, Houston Stueve, Walker Stueve, Amelia Stepanek, Cedric Kopperud; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Patrick Peterson; son-in-law, Bud Plienis; parents, Arthur and Adeline Peterson; and siblings, Clifford, Willis, and Russell Peterson.

A private family service and military funeral will be held at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, North Dakota on June 30^th, 2023, which would have been Richard and Evon’s 74^th wedding anniversary.