Donald Peterson

Donald Sander Peterson, 83, passed peacefully on Monday, August 9, 2010 with family by his side. Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth (Hillebrenner) Peterson; his daughter, Jeanette Metzler and husband Randy; his sons Mike Peterson and wife Teresa, and Jim Peterson and wife Carrie; his grandchildren, Jamie Peterson, Tim Shonkwiler, Lindsey Burch, Andrew and Alison Paffen, Mary, Steven, Nick, Owen, and Tucker Peterson; and great grandchild, Jessalyn Smith. Donald was preceded in death by his daughters, Susan Peterson and Rebecca Paffen.
Born on June 16, 1927 in Canby Minnesota, Donald was the son of Sander and Mabel Peterson. He later moved to Shawnee, Kansas where he became a resident and active community member for over 40 years.
Donald was a hard-working man with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. He served in the United States Navy and went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years where he served as the Leawood, KS branch manager. Donald's hard work ethic led him to retire early and purchase and operate the Hitting Streak batting cages in Merriam, KS. Later in his retirement Donald had a strong pull towards his childhood farming roots and moved to a 20 acre farm in Garden City, MO where he and his wife Ruth became known for their excellent asparagus, strawberries and other produce.
As a man with a strong passion for friendship and community, he served throughout his life in a variety of ways. Donald was a Master of the Shawnee Masonic Lodge and lifelong active mason in his community. Throughout his life Donald was involved in church. For several years he was President of the United Methodist Men at the Garden City United Methodist Church. He and his wife Ruth were also avid square dancers for many years. Donald will be remembered by many for the love he abundantly shared with his family, friends, and community.
The Memorial Service for Donald Peterson were held at the Garden City United Methodist Church at 500 S. 5 th Street in Garden City, MO on Thursday, August 12th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to the Garden City United Methodist Church for the Donald Peterson Memorial Fund.