Stanley Dean Peterson was born December 9, 1925, in Chadron, Nebraska, the son of Delmar L. “Butch” and Lois Blanche (McDonald) Peterson. He was raised on the Peterson Ranch, in the Sand Hills on LaCreek, south of Martin. He grew up during the Depression and never forgot the sacrifices and hard times. He grew up knowing the pioneers, settlers, and Native Americans and learned from their stories of survival and how they cleared the way for the future generations. Stanley attended Plainview School and Bennett County High School. Before finishing high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and entered active duty on January 20, 1944, during WWII.
After boot camp, he was placed in the V-12 Officer’s Program, attending Arkansas A&M, and Colorado College, followed by Green’s Farm Scouts and Sniper School at Camp Pendleton. He served as a Troop Transport Quartermaster and shipped out to the South Pacific on the USS American Legion. After returning, he briefly served on Marine patrol at Terminal Island near Long Beach, California.
On August 2, 1946, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Lance Corporal, and returned home to his beloved Sand Hills, vowing to never leave them. He finished his education at Chadron State College and the University of Northern Colorado as a teacher and coach. At Chadron, the post-war veterans came together, as they had in war, and won the football conference championship two years in a row, 1947 and 1948. That brotherhood remains today as the Purple Passion Group, who are honored at every homecoming football game at Chadron State College.
His first teaching and coaching assignment was at Pine Ridge High School, where he coached football and started the first girls’ high school basketball team in western South Dakota. He then left for Redding, California, where he continued his teaching and coaching career.
He returned to South Dakota in 1951 due to his mother’s illness. He met the love of his life, Frances Yvonne Craven, who was singing at a Christmas program in Wanblee. They were married September 8, 1952, in Rapid City, and returned to Redding where they made their home, until the draw of western South Dakota brought them back in 1968. They made their home in Kadoka. In 1988, at age 64, he finished his teaching and coaching career.
He spent his retirement years serving on the Kadoka City Council and Kadoka School Board. He returned to coaching at Rapid City Christian High School during 1998-1999. At that time, he was the oldest active football coach in SD, and his assistant coach was his son, Casey Peterson.
He was proud of his heritage, which traced back to the Mayflower and the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post #240 of Martin, SD.
He fondly remembered all the students he was privileged to teach and coach, each of whom he remembered with incredible detail. As a teacher and coach, he would not tolerate bullying, and demanded loyalty and respect for everyone.
He loved to teach anyone who had an open mind, especially his children and six grandchildren. He was a philosopher, storyteller, and poet who studied all aspects of life. He stimulated discussion with the coffee group in Kadoka with questions such as “What’s the difference between freedom and liberty; happiness and contentment; or respect and love?” He believed in living life with memories in mind and the importance of choosing what is God-made, and not man-made.
After the loss of his beloved wife on June 7, 1995, he remained dedicated to their marriage, home, and family. In his later years, he spent his time with his family in Kadoka and Rapid City.
He remained standing on his own two feet, until the day his journey took him to God and his beloved wife in heaven.
Grateful for having shared his life are his son Casey Peterson and his wife Kathryn, and their sons Casey, Dean, Tanister, and Torin of Rapid City; his daughter Robin Peterson-Lund and her husband, Arnold of Kadoka and their children Arnold III and Skye; the Arthur McDonald, Louis McDonald, Patty McDonald Fralick, and Danny McDonald families, brother-in-law Edmund Risse and his families, Donna Wagner's children and their families, and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife Frances, Stanley was preceded in death by his two sisters, Gloria Risse and Donna Wagner.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 16, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Father Bryan Sorensen officiating.
Interment with military honors was held at the Kadoka Cemetery.
Memorials have been established: The Stanley D. & Frances Y. Peterson "Bad Milk" Scholarship at Chadron State College and the Stanley D. & Frances Y. Peterson Frontier Nurse Fellowship at South Dakota State University, College of Nursing Graduate Program.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, August 17, 2013 - 11:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Father Bryan Sorensen
Jo Anne Stilwell - Pianist
Our Lady of Victory Choir and Musicians
“Be Thou My Vision”
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
Dean Peterson - Vocalist
“I Want To Go Home”
Dean, Casey, Tanister & Torin Peterson
Arne III and Skye Lund - Vocalists
“Country Roads”
Sandee Yordy and Family - Vocalists
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
USHERS
Dr. Boyd Porch - Terry Deuter
PALLBEARERS
Casey H. Peterson - Austin Dean Peterson
Tanister K. Peterson - Torin McGaa Peterson
Arnold Peterson Lund III - Skye Frances Lund
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Barry Barber - Terry Deuter - Dr. Justin Green
Arthur McDonald - Louis McDonald
Dr. Boyd Porch - Edmund Risse
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
Guest Book
Casey, Robin and families,
I am so sorry to hear of Dean's death. Our mentors are all quickly leaving us. Thinking of you all in these difficult days ahead.
~ Donna (Bodkin) Craven
Rapid City, SD
Robin and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Diana Elwood
Volborg, MT
Casey, Robin and families. I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Peterson. I remember him teaching our class and the passion he had for teaching and working with students. I also remember his coaching days and him as the Asst. Girls BB coach my junior year. He was so much fun and enjoyed working with the team and we had so many fun road trips. He always had a story to share, as we travelled to the games. His stories were always so interesting and so much fun to listen too. He was a positive person and was an outstanding teacher, coach, and friend. He will be missed but never forgotten.
~ Eric Wilmarth
Kadoka
I am so sorry to hear the loss of Stanley, or Mr. Peterson as I refer to him. I have many fond memories of him as our teacher and friend. He was definitively my favorite and the best ever. He was so full of great knowledge and kind words and always remembered each one of his students as individuals. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to Casey, Robin and the whole family. My god keep you in his hands
~ Kristi (Spears) Stevahn
Creswell, OR
So sad to hear of the passing of one of my most memorable teachers from grade school. I can remember how important each student knew they were by how much he interacted and by how he spoke to us and all the lessons he taught us. Prayers for the family - what a great man!! If only all teachers these days could be as good as Mr. Peterson....
~ Lonna (Cudmore) Jackson
Murdo
I am so very sorry to hear about Mr. Peterson's passing. I have so many great memories of him especially him teaching me in the 6th grade. One of my best memories of him was during recess in the winter time, he would let us stay in the classroom and we would play Leif Garrett and Shaun Cassidy records and dance in a circle in the classroom. He would always be dancing with us. I always thought he was the best dancer and the best teacher! I will also never forget his smile! He will be missed by so many! We will be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers!
~ Brenda (Conlee) Johnson
Rapid City, SD
Casey and Kathryn, Robin and Arnie I'm sure sorry to hear this. He was a good man.
~ Bill Dithmer
Wamblee
Our sympathy to the family and thanks to Casey for meeting up with me in Rapid so I got in a last visit with Stanley. You all were blessed to be able to spend such quality time with Stanley and he always had a lesson for the grandchildren in mind. Over the years at the cafe we enjoyed sharing about our Mayflower lineage, and many stimulating conversations.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka
I'm so saddened to hear about Mr. Peterson's passing.
That's how I will always think of him. He was one of the best teachers I had throughout my school years. He knew how to make learning fun! His smile was contagious. I will always remember him fondly. He influenced so many of us. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you go through this difficult time.
God Bless,
Nicki(Ireland)Nelson
~ Nicki Nelson
Midland
So sorry for your loss. There will be sad days ahead but oh what a wonderful time he is having with your mother! Please keep his memories alive what a huge, full life he lived.
~ Julie Nixon
Philip
Robin, Casey and families. The great gentle giants are slowly leaving us. I was really saddened to read of Stanley's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. May God bless and keep you in his hands.
~ Ray Gibson
Philip SD
Stanley you will be missed deeply you was a awesome 6th grade teacher and very good football coach I sure love chatting with you when ever we meant for coffee you will be missed
~ scott getz
sioux falls
We are so sorry for your loss. Stanley was a great man and teacher who touched many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
~ Rod & Darlene Cudmore
Fort Pierre
I am so sad to hear that the world has lost a wonderful guy, my favorite teacher and a great role model for a generation of Kadoka students. I will never forget the kindness and encouragement he showed to students in school, on the field and in the community. My prayers are with you.
~ Rose Ann (Stratton) Wendell
Pierre
Reading Brenda Conlee's comments I started to see Dean and Francis swing dancing and jitter bugging. My, they looked like movie stars. I have such wonderful memories of them and their family. So glad dean was part of my early years.
~ Rita Barber Sutton
Bowman, ND
Smiling at all the things that run thru my mind when I think of Stanley working with him at school was a blast. Loved having him for a friend and co worker also taught my children. They dont make them like him anymore. Wishing Francis and Him a blessed meeting in Heaven, knowing good times to be had. I can still laugh at the fun we had.....
~ Bonnie Madsen
Kadoka S.D.
Casey and Family- We are saddened to hear about your fathers passing. Our prayers and love are with all of you! Mary Ellen Lantis and family
~ Mary Ellen Lantis
PO Box 699, Spearfish, SD 57783
My prayers of peace to my dear friend Sisoka Robin and her family; my prayers and praise to God of joy for Mr. Peterson's beautiful life
lived here and now continues his journey beyond, joining the open arms of his beloved Francis; both now perfect from ages to ages.
~ Kathy Knitig
404 Bennett Ave Minneiska, MN 55910
To the entire Peterson family ~ our hearts go out to you today and in the days ahead. Educators like Stanley are few and far between. He was such a visionary and role model for adults and students. He truly gave life his all and blessed many along the way. Moving on after losing the love of his life was not an easy task. But he made the most of every moment that he was on earth. What legacy he left ~ what a giant of a man. I am privileged to have called him my friend! Home at last Stanley ~ see on the other side! Judy
~ Judy Olney Goldhammer
Wall SD
'spree decor',Coach Peterson said: a teams sense of pride and honour. It literally means 'group spirit'.If you play as a team you will understand it's meaning. The words still ring out loud and clear. Coach Peterson's teachings went well beyond how to play the game as a team but also how to live your life with pride by setting goals and achieving them. To a lot of people Coach was a life long sounding board. If you had a problem or didn't know what to do. You needed to run it by coach. His impact started when Mr. Peterson began tutoring math with me in 5th grade. Coach was a talented and caring teacher. A compassionate and motivating coach and an honest and genuine friend. Thank you for always being there for us Coach.
Casey and Robin and their families will be in my prayers.
~ Brad Jeffords
8518 lasater Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012
if the world needed a standard for teachers Mr. peterson would be it.
~ brett prang
kadoka
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Peterson family at this sad time. I am so grateful I had Mr. Peterson as a 6th grade teacher. He is still my favorite teacher and the best teacher I ever had. He inspired me to become a teacher, and I think of him often as I teach my students. He valued every one of his students equally and taught us to believe in ourselves and to be our best for our community. He made learning fun. I will never forget his kindness and his smile; I will forever be grateful that he sparked in me a love of learning for the rest of my life. God bless you, Mr. Peterson. Thank you!
~ Rita Kujawa Endres
Maple Grove, MN
A Great Teacher, one of my very favorites. A Great Man who molded a lot of young people. Rest in Peace Mr. Peterson.
~ Holly Vosberg Nemec
Midland
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Stanley Peterson. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come. Mr. Peterson was my 6th grade teacher, and I have so many fond memories of him. I remember him bringing literature to life by reading "To Build A Fire". I read it aloud to my children a few years ago, and it was such a joy to watch them listen as I had listened all those years ago. I remember Mr. Peterson had a pocket watch , and he loved to pull it out and show us. I learned much about marriage from him....he loved his wife dearly and spoke of her often. In recent years, he became a coffee buddy with my dad Lyle. My dad spoke of him with admiration. Cherish the many memories of your dad...
~ Cindy Klundt Merritt
Brookings,SD
Absolutely one of the best teachers ever to teach at Kadoka! He was my favorite & I will always remember him with wonderful thoughts. He could always bring out the best in you! You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
~ Lori Konst
Philip
Thinking of your family and of the wonderful memories Mr. Peterson is a part of. He was such an intriguing, passionate and thoughtful teacher. He had such a vision for how he wanted to teach and how he wanted his classroom to be run - you could always count on his consistent and fair approach. I remember the summer he was our girls softball coach...He would always say "You gotta look sharp to play sharp" and then instruct us to get into our ready positions. That would be followed up by "You got sound tough to play tough" and then he would have us all let out a loud growl! I am sure he and Francis are gliding across heaven's dance floor!
~ Teresa (Parke) Eberhart
LaVista, NE