Marvin Dean Peterson

Marvin Dean Peterson August 29, 1944 – February 23, 2017 Sweet, kind, humble are a few words family and friends would use to describe Marvin. He was born in Torrington, Wyoming, the second oldest of eight kids. Growing up on a farm he and his brothers got in to the typical farm-kid shenanigans, like tying a brother to a calf, fling poop at each other, shooting BB guns, and getting kicked off the school bus for throwing rhubarb at the driver. During this time in his life is where he learned to work hard and appreciate what he had. He was a quiet man who enjoyed the simple things in life such as fishing and hunting, spending time with his family and eating a good steak. Marvin was a jokester with a dry sense of humor that drove his daughters crazy, but they loved him for it. Living in a house with three women, Marvin managed to keep his sanity by gardening and working in his man cave in the backyard. He was very handy and enjoyed building things out of wood. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for 24 years, where he did two tours in Vietnam, received five Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Three Bronze Stars, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Driver & Mechanical Badge, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, SDNG Perfect Attendance for 5 years and was recognized as a sharp shooter. He was married to the love of his life, Kong Sun Peterson, for 43 years. They traveled around the world during his military service and settled in Brookings, South Dakota for 30 years. In 2015 they retired to Murrieta, California to soak in the SoCal sun and stop keeping track of the days. They spent time going to the gym, visiting local historical sites, and walking. When Marvin wasn’t driving his wife around to the local farmers’ markets, he enjoyed a good nap. During the last few months of his life, he fought the good fight to beat stage four lung cancer. Even after the cancer had metastasized to his bones and brain and he was in a lot of pain, he never complained. He was a true example of strength and love and will be greatly missed. Marvin is survived by his wife Kong and two daughters Tina and Rebecca Risty, along with his #1 son-in-law Spencer Risty, his four brothers Leroy, Duane, Larry and Rick. He is proceeded in death by his father and mother, Alfred and Dorothy, sister Maureen, brother Mark, and sister-in-law Pat. You can send cards and flowers to Kong Peterson at 37145 Galileo Lane, Murrieta, CA 92563 and/or donate in honor of Marvin and his love of the outdoors to South Dakota Parks and Wildlife at https://parkswildlifefoundation.org/giving-options/default.aspx.