David Frederick Peterson, 53, died suddenly at his home in Sheridan, Wyoming, on Thursday, September 15, 2011.

David was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to Adrian and Thelma Peterson. Adrian had been active in the Air Force, and as a child, David became fascinated with the military and the great wars of America, which ignited his passion for history and for learning.

David graduated from Tongue River High School in 1976 where he was President of the student body. Dave graduated with honors from the University of Montana, Missoula, with a Bachelors of Arts in History with several minors.

In 1986, David met Jessie Peterson (divorced 2001), and together they had two daughters, Emma and Josephine (Joey), who were the light of David’s life. Emma and Joey will always remember their father for his lighthearted sense of humor and how proud he always was of all they did.

David had worked several years with at risk teens and adults through the Correctional Department for the State of Montana and with services available in Sheridan. He worked very hard in his jobs, and consistently put others first. David could be described as thoughtful, kind, compassionate, and a “gentle giant” of sorts.

He read many books and had a modest library which included knowledge of the Revolutionary, Civil, and World Wars. David had a passion for the arts, reciting song lyrics and movie quotes from memory to the amusement of others. He had a particular love for jazz and for the sound of his daughter’s cello.

Later in his life, he rediscovered his passion for acting, and had been working with the Sheridan Civic Theatre Guild.

He also received a Masters of Science, with honors, from Cappella University, Minneapolis, MN in Mental Health Counseling in 2010. At the time of his death he was working to complete requirements of the State of Wyoming for licensing at Cloud Peak Initiatives, Inc. in Sheridan.

His father, Adrian Peterson, and ex-wife and dear friend, Jessie Jacobson, preceded him in death.

David is survived by his daughters Emma and Josephine of Anaconda, MT, his mother Thelma Peterson, Sheridan, his grandmother Thelma Isakson, Sheridan and brother, Bob, sister-in-law Lynn and two nieces, Paige and Brekke, of Sheridan.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Lunch Together Program, 100 West Works, Sheridan Wyoming, or the Sheridan Civic Theatre Guild, 419 Delphi Ave, Box 1, Sheridan, Wyoming or attend one of the plays scheduled in the next couple months.

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