Gary L. Peterson

Gary L. Peterson, 82, passed away on November 22, 2021. He was born in Holton, Kansas on December 1st, 1938.
When he was a young boy, he moved to Grants Pass with his mother, Virginia Turner and grandparents, Gladys and Harry Cleveland. He learned his strong work ethic from his grandparents who were business owners and who bought and sold horses, cattle, and real estate. Gary graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1957. He was a competitive member of the wrestling team, and this is where he met his wife, Marianne Funke. Gary and Marianne were married on December 19, 1959. After high school, Gary worked at a local plywood mill. He bought his first bulldozer to do side jobs and by 1960 he started his own business, Gary L. Peterson Excavating. Over the years he continued to grow his successful company which included septic systems, ready mix concrete, and eventually asphalt paving.
Gary had many interests including motorcycles, collectible cars, and antique tractors. He was a “go getter” and was always busy working on a project of some kind which usually included collecting and restoring old tractors, cars, and engines. He had the special talent of building something out of nothing. He loved participating in local car shows with one of his restored treasures and driving his big blue hot rod tractor in parades. Gary was involved with his antique tractor club and valued the friendships he made. Each year he looked forward to sharing his passion with others at the annual Pottsville tractor show.
Gary enjoyed the simple things in life. Both Gary and Marianne loved taking drives in the country and frequented local restaurants often. He found pleasure in the chickens and deer that lived on his property. He had fun attending sporting events for his grandkids and teaching them about his tractors. He also loved watching the Grants Pass Nuggets baseball games.
Gary and Marianne had four children: Becky Lange, Barry Peterson, Bonny Frey, and Bryan Peterson. Gary was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Virginia and Tom Turner, his sister Joann Salisbury, and his son Bryan Peterson. He is survived by his wife Marianne Peterson; 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
Gary was known for his kind heart and laid-back personality. He was a pillar of the Grants Pass community and will be loved and missed dearly.
Celebration of Life services are planned with Hull & Hull Funeral Directors for Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 1 pm.