Daniel Joseph Peterson, 54, passed away on October 16th, 2021, surrounded by family. Dan was born to Bill and Georgia Peterson on May 21, 1967 in Butte. He attended school at Emerson Elementary, South Central and graduated from Butte Central High School in 1986. Dan’s desire to become a mechanic came at an early age when he would move old engines and transmissions in a wheelbarrow from behind his Dad’s shop and take them apart and put them back together. Dan worked in the automotive industry in Butte beginning when he was in high school and worked his way from a lot boy to a mechanic for over 30 years. Dan was one of the hardest working people you will ever meet and was always ready to lend a hand when someone needed help.
In 1987 Dan married Laurie Gordon and Dan cherished the time they had together. They later divorced but from that union Dan was blessed with two wonderful children, Heather and Cody. Dan loved his children and was the proudest Dad around. He loved being in his garage where Heather would join him when she was little just to hang out with her Dad. Dan got “drafted” as a Boy Scout leader where he got to teach his son lifelong skills. Dan was very proud of how both Heather and Cody grew into the young adults they became.
Dan was blessed to have two beautiful granddaughters, Danika and Elaina, who were the apple of his eye. He loved spending time with those “funny little girls”. He was the best Papa ever.
Dan enjoyed hunting, camping, working in his garage, his dogs, and leaning on his truck watching the NASCAR races on Sundays. Dan got to drive the NASCAR race cars in Vegas and Daytona several times and excelled at it. Dan loved going to Rockin’ the Rivers every year since 1999 and will be greatly missed by his RTR family. Dan loved wearing his funny t-shirts and had a great sense of humor. We are all lucky in that we will still benefit from Dan’s sense of humor as he passed it on to both Heather and Cody.
Dan is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lill and Russ Peterson, James and Lorene Lowney, his aunts and uncle Donna Rigney, June Lowney, and Luella and Ed Rogers, and his oldest sister Judi, who were all waiting to greet Dan.
Dan is survived by his children Heather Dennison and Cody Peterson, grandchildren Danika and Elaina Dennison, parents Georgia and Bill Peterson, sisters Connie (Ron)Beck, Cyndi (Mat) Johnson, brother Bill (Mandy) Peterson, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Gina (Mark) Ritter, Neil (Lisa) Gordon, Paula (John) Zadworney, Tom Gordon (Shavon Baltezar), mother-in-law Linda Wolahan, nieces and nephews Josh and Jenn Coulombe (Brooklynn, Ryker), Sarah Coulombe, Zach Coulombe, Allison and Edan Strekal, Gerald Peterson, David Ritter, Ashley Ritter, Kevin Ritter, Ryan Ritter, Nikki and Mike Hoar (Thomas, Kadence), Samantha and Bill Prendergast (JJ, Ellody), Alyssa Ness (Mercedes), Alexis Gordon, Colby Gordon and Lillie Gordon and numerous cousins.
A special thank you to Gina and Mark, Paula and John, Shavon, and Mike Schumacher for their support and friendship with Dan during the past year.
A celebration of life will be held on October 23rd, 2021 at the Carpenters Union Hall, 156 West Granite, Butte, MT at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Girl Scouts.
In honor of Dan, please wear your favorite funny (or even inappropriate) t-shirt to the celebration.
Dan was a son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many and will be greatly missed by all.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Daniel.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Daniel and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 PM
Saturday October 23, 2021
Carpenters Union Hall
156 West Granite
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 PM
Saturday October 23, 2021
Carpenters Union Hall
156 West Granite
Butte, Montana 59701
mike coulombe says
Dan was a wonderful hard working loving dad and husband who devoted himself 100 percent to his family . He was always there to help whenever somebody needed help . i was honored to be his brother in law and part of the Peterson family my prayers are with his family at this time of sorrow . May GOD bless them and shine a light of love.
Joanne Johnson says
Cindi and family,
Sorry for your loss. I send my condolences.
Marilou Hart says
Peterson Family
I am so sorry to read about Dan.
I went to school with Dan and Bill for many years, He was always so kind and funny. He always had a smile on his face.
So very sorry for your loss.
Marilou Cashell Hart
Rickey Phillips says
Wow so sorry! Dan. Mike heard and I were friends in 7 and 8 grade. We played poker every Friday after school. He was a great guy. He will be missed.
Deb Harvey says
Dan your funny sense of humor will be missed. I loved your Facebook posts they always made me laugh.
Dear Peterson family so sorry for your loss but you now have another angel looking out for you. 💔
Cathy Day says
Dan no matter how often we saw each other, you always stopped to say Hi & how are You to me no b matter where?
The family Holiday dinners at your Paents I attended were a Blessing to me.
You let many carry special memories
Cathy Day
Mr. Michael R. Prendergast says
May his Memory be eternal!
Joy Gummer Gambreal says
Bill, Georgia and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. May your good memories soon replace your sorrows.