Leon Ambruce "Pete" Peterson, age 82, of Wolsey, passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 14, 2017, surrounded by his family in Wolsey. His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, October 24th at the First Presbyterian Church in Huron. Burial was in the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery with military rites by the Huron Veterans Council.
Leon Ambruce Peterson was born June 1, 1935, to Ralph and Ethel (Harrington) Peterson in Wolsey, SD. He attended Wolsey Schools. At the age of 18, Pete enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard. He furthered his military service at the age of 19, when he enlisted with the United States Navy. He served in the US Navy from November 12, 1954 to November 10, 1958, when he was honorably discharged.
On July 9, 1961, Pete married Audrey Faye Halbur at the First Presbyterian Church at Huron. They lived in Huron until August 1979 when they purchased their hobby farm near Wolsey. Pete was employed as a night manager at Randall's and later Coborn's Foods. He retired after 50 years of service.
Pete was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed many activities including playing cards, dominos, golfing, bowling and attending auctions. He appreciated the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He had a love for all animals on his hobby farm, raising rabbits, dogs, and horses. Pete was active with his children's 4-H clubs and a lifelong supporter of the South Dakota State Fair. He enjoyed music. In addition to playing the guitar, banjo, and harmonica, he also played spoons in a Polka band, at the senior center at the state fair and at local venues. He loved old time country music and dancing, to The Tennessee Waltz. Pete was a jokester and wanted to make people laugh. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his sons, Dave (Beth) Peterson of Huron and Daniel (Marjorie) Peterson of Wolsey; his daughter, Charnelle (Rick) Wooledge of Sioux Falls; two grandchildren, Makayla (special friend, Nathan Hofer) Wooledge and Hunter Wooledge, both of Sioux Falls; one brother, Russell (Marilyn) Peterson of Sioux Falls; two sisters, Bonnie (Tom Powers) Guimont of Maple Grove Minnesota, and Gayle (Allen) Schroder of Huron; and many nieces and nephews.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Audrey Faye Peterson; one sister, Beverly Brotherton; and an infant brother, Max Peterson.