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Jerry Allen Peterson, 82

| June 21, 2021 10:25 AM

Jerry Allen Peterson, age 82, of Montana, passed away Saturday, June 5 in Polson. Jerry was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., to Erv and Mary (Flynn) Peterson on June 1, 1939.

He was a graduate of Bradley High School in South Dakota and received his bachelor of science from Southernaire, S.D., in 1962. He worked his way through college as a smokejumper fighting forest fires in the Northwest. He served in the Air Force from 1962-66. He married Phyllis Ann Bjerke on June 28, 1963 on Otis Airbase, Mass.

Jerry worked as a computer analyst for Control Data Corp. for 33 years. He traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad for his work. He enjoyed his work connections at Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia and Los Alamos Labs, and NASA. He was an active volunteer firefighter, first responder, NRA and Polson Shooters Association member, and a community volunteer.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fishman. He enjoyed camping with friends and family throughout the United States. He loved exploring back roads and scuba diving. He had a special place in his heart for his grandson Tyler.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, son Willie and many friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis; daughter Elizabeth Peterson and her husband, Don Butterfield; grandson Tyler Butterfield; sister Jeanne Tucker and her husband, Gene T.; and numerous nieces, cousins and friends.

Family, friends and others whose life Jerry has touched are invited to a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the Polson Senior Citizen Center. Come enjoy a light lunch, fun pictures, reminisce, and share stories. If desired, friends and family may make memorial contributions to a charity of their choice.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help of neighbors, friends and family. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.