Oral Lloyd “Pete” Peterson died unexpectedly Wednesday after a difficult struggle with dementia.
Lloyd was born in Anaconda on January 3, 1937 to Forest “Petey” and Elizabeth (Ward) Peterson. He married Patricia “Patsy” Roe in Anaconda on August 14, 1965. The marriage was blessed with two beautiful children, Thomas Lloyd and Mary Patricia.
Lloyd grew up shuffling between Anaconda and Walkerville in the care of his extended Peterson family, a colorful group of hearty Scandinavian miners who had a claim west of Anaconda at Cable Creek and their homestead at Peterson Meadows. As a freshman at Anaconda High School his exceptional athleticism earned him a spot on the 1951 State Championship Football Team and also the Varsity basketball team. Mike O’Leary became his beloved coach and mentor whose guidance and friendship was always fondly remembered and greatly appreciated. He joined the National Guard 1957-61, was an Ironworker for the Anaconda Copper Company until 1970 when he joined the Anaconda Fire Department until retirement in 1990. He then joined Pat as proprietors of PJ’s Market, enjoying 10 years working together as small business owners in the community they loved.
In his spare time, you could find Lloyd fishing, walking his dog, shooting hoops or attending his grandchildren’s many extracurricular activities. In his later years, he loved crossword puzzles and watching Gun Smoke and MSNBC. His eyes had a loving twinkle and there was always a bit of mischief in his smile. He was a true ‘animal whisperer’ and a lifelong rescuer of dogs. He was a member of the Anaconda Catholic Community and enjoyed attending daily mass with his Rosary Beads always in hand. With his marriage to Patsy, he became a loved member of the large Roe clan and its deep-rooted connection to the local Irish community. He will be greatly missed by his brother, many cousins, nieces and nephews including his childhood friend and brother-in-law Tom Roe and his niece and surrogate daughter Mary Sue Daniels. Generous and kind, he knew the importance of family, life, hard work, and a good education. He remained surrounded by his loving family until the end. He lost a piece of his heart, when his beloved wife Pat died in 2010. He prayed daily that they someday would be reunited.
Lloyd is survived by his brother Ken (Pat) Peterson of Helena, nephews Kevin and Dennis Peterson, son Tom (Dawn Ann) Peterson and daughter Mary Pat (Dan) Ford of Butte, grandchildren Jonathon Hebnes, Connor Ford, Cody Kelly, Chad, Lexie and Sloan Peterson.
He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Roe) Peterson and his parents Forest and Elizabeth (Ward) Peterson and stepmother Florence (Pakka) Peterson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Community Nursing Home of Anaconda, or the Knights of Columbus, Butte, Montana.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 217 W. Pennsylvania St., Anaconda, MT at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Following the funeral mass, a graveside service will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery at the end of W. 7th Street in Anaconda, MT. Lloyd’s family invites you to join them in fellowship following the graveside service at the Holy Family Catholic Church Reception Room.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Lloyd.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Lloyd and his family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anaconda, MT 59711
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Funeral Reception
Following Graveside Service
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Holy Family Catholic Church Community Room
217 West Pennsylvania
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anaconda, MT 59711
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Holy Family Catholic Church
217 W. Pennsylvania
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Anaconda, Montana 59711
Funeral Reception
Following Graveside Service
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Holy Family Catholic Church Community Room
217 West Pennsylvania
Anaconda, Montana 59711
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Robert Wallis says
When I moved to Anaconda we would meet at Daley gym and play a game of basketball at noon. This is how I met
Lloyd. We would share our love for basketball. Lloyd was a good person and may he rest in peace.