Richard R. Peterson

Richard R. Peterson, 72 of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 at the Elkhart Hospice House.

He was born Jan. 22, 1942 in Elkhart to Richard G. and Bertha M. (Dubie) Peterson. He married Helen Joy Simms on Jan. 24, 1965. She preceded in death on Sept. 25, 2001. He married Beverly Smeltzer on March 24, 2012 in Elkhart. She survives with his 3 daughters, Barbara S. Peterson of South Bend, Victoria (Garry) Roman of Winterhaven, FL and Pamela (Bob) Best of Elkhart; 6 grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded by a grandson, Erik Yoder.

Richard graduated from Elkhart High School and was a retired First Sergeant with the U.S. Army after 30 years. He previously served with the U. S. Marine Corps from 1960-1965 and the U.S. Air Force from 1965-1970. He was a member and Past Master of Kane Masonic Lodge; #183, Scottish Rite, Valley of South Bend; York Rite, Elkhart; Order of Eastern Star; and Mizpah Shrine, Ft. Wayne.

Family and friends may visit from 2 to 4 pm on Friday, Dec. 5th at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, where a masonic memorial service will be held at 5 pm. Visitation will also be Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10 am to 10:45am at the funeral home. A procession will leave at 10:45 am where a graveside service will be at 11 am at Rice Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials may be given to Kane Masonic Lodge. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.