Lester "Dan" Peterson

Grants Pass long-time resident, “Dan” Lester L. Peterson went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ Tuesday September 28, 2021 at the age of 88.

He was born May 9, 1933 in Grants Pass Oregon to Daniel E. and Susie Peterson who were residing in Hugo, Oregon at the time. After his father passed in 1934, Dan subsequently moved with his mother to Van Nuys, California to be with her family. Susie met & married David McConnell Sr, Dan’s stepfather there and in 1938 Dan became a big brother as David McConnell Jr was born.

Dan graduated from high school in Bishop, California and immediately enlisted in the US Army in March 1952. After basic training at Fort Lewis, he was sent to Munich, Germany where he finished his tour in 1955.

In 1958 Dan married Arlie Mae Bell and together they raised three children, Daniel, Jodine & Lori Kay.

Dan worked as a building maintenance supervisor at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area until 1972, where the family enjoyed hiking, skiing, and riding in Dan’s homemade dune buggy. In 1972 the family moved to Hugo to his family cherry orchard. He worked at Josephine General/Memorial Hospital as a maintenance engineer from 1972 to 1999 when he retired. His wife Arlie Mae passed in 2001.

Dan enjoyed photography, watching his wildlife, reading/watching historical events, news, building & football in the home that he had drafted & built himself overlooking the family property and cherry orchard.

Dan was an active member of the Hugo Historical Society, as well as the Grants Pass Foursquare Church, where he was an elder.

Dan is survived by son & daughter-in-law Daniel & Janie Peterson, daughter Jodine & son-in-law Chris Latham all of Grants Pass, Oregon, and daughter Lori Kay & son-in-law Tony Davis of Sutherland, Oregon; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2 PM at the River of Life Foursquare Church at 450 S.W. J Street in Grants Pass, Oregon with Pastor Rick Gilmore officiating. Refreshments & fellowship will follow next door in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers family would like donations given to the USA Veterans.