- Date Of Birth: July 31, 1937
- Date Of Death: March 19, 2015
- State: Indiana
Donald L. “Pete” Peterson, 77, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 19, at home with his family at his side.
He was born July 31, 1937, in Attica, to the late William R. and Marie N. (Van Laere) Peterson.
Donald married Charlene M. Polega on June 1, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles, Mich.
Surviving are his wife, Charlene; children Candace A. Schulze of Evansville, twins Joy M. Lyvers and Julia M. Peterson, both of Mishawaka, and son Donald Scott Peterson of Elkhart; two grandchildren, Dusten A. Lyvers of Elkhart and Forest G. Lyvers of Mishawaka; sister Constance (Joseph) Bumbleburg of Lafayette; nieces Amy (Scott) Bressler, Theresa Dobrzykowski; and nephews Ted (Kari) Bumbleburg and Robert (Denise) Peterson.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Peterson, niece Lee Ann Cruea and son-in-law Jerry Schulze.
Donald graduated from Attica High School in 1955 and from Purdue University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. While at Purdue, he was active in the ROTC program and served in the United States Army Reserves as a medic.
Donald or “Pete” as his family and friends knew him, retired from Miles Laboratories, where he worked in research and development. He later worked at Apex Pharmaceuticals for two years.
He was a longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for many years. Donald was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1043. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing cards. He also collected pens, marbles and matchbooks, and Wednesdays were his lunch “date” with his Miles buddies.
Pete loved his wife of over 50 years, his children and family, his church and his country. He was a dedicated father who instilled upon his children the values of faith, academia and athletics and will be best remembered for his devout volunteerism and quiet strength that was always present when and where it was needed.
